Nature Based Climate Action Program

The Lumpkin Family Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Mattoon, Illinois, administers the Nature-Based Climate Action Program. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support environmental sustainability and rural community development in East Central Illinois. The Foundation has a longstanding commitment to funding programs that implement nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change and combat biodiversity loss. The Nature-Based Climate Action Program aims to support on-the-ground projects that employ ecological strategies such as tree planting, prairie restoration, and other conservation practices to counteract climate-related threats. By focusing on nature-based climate solutions, the program targets efforts to preserve or restore critical ecosystems—forests, prairies, and wetlands—recognizing their capacity to sequester carbon and moderate the impacts of extreme weather events. The program’s design is grounded in scientific research indicating that natural systems can account for up to 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas reductions. This funding opportunity is geographically limited to East Central Illinois. The Foundation specifies this region as the only eligible area for applications, with a strong emphasis on rural locales. The Foundation does not fund individuals or sponsor events. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, educational institutions, and similar entities, although the eligibility list is not exhaustively specified in the source material. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which is accepted from June 30 through August 1, 2025. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by August 8, 2025. The final deadline for submitting both new applications and grant renewal requests is September 5, 2025. Award notifications will be issued on October 3, 2025. Applications must align closely with the program's goals and demonstrate measurable impact through the use of natural systems in mitigating climate effects. The typical award amount for this program is approximately $25,000, though grants can range between $2,500 and $50,000. While the Foundation does not state a fixed ceiling, the stated funding history indicates that over $2.89 million has been awarded across 80 grants. Site visits and reporting are likely required, though these specifics are not detailed. There is no indication of a matching requirement. For additional inquiries or to discuss potential proposals, applicants may contact Christina Krost, Program Officer, via email at christina@lumpkinfoundation.org or phone at 217-234-2076. The Foundation's office is located at 1632 Broadway Avenue, Suite 202, Mattoon, IL 61938.