Illinois Environment Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments affected by the closure or reduced operation of the Zion Nuclear Plant, aimed at fostering economic development and addressing community impacts through various initiatives.

The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program will support pre-development and development of community solar projects that promote community ownership and energy sovereignty. Grants will be awarded to applicants that best demonstrate the ability and intent to create community ownership and other local community benefits including: • local community wealth building via community renewable generation projects. • Grants shall be prioritized to applicants for whom o the proposed project is located in and supporting an equity investment eligible community or communities; and on proposed project provides additional benefits for participating low-income households.

The Operations and Program Grant program is to provide general operating support or program support for successful ongoing efforts Donor Name: Quad Cities Community Foundation State: Illinois, Iowa County: Rock Island County (IL), Scott County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: General operating support is crucial to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. This grant program aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic effort to use effective grantmaking practices including: Flexible Funding: requests for general operating support are eligible for funding, and are given preference.  Reliable Funding: One-year or Two-year requests will be considered.Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant from several different Community Foundation funds through the Operations and Program Grant program. To save time and effort, applicants submit one application and are considered for multiple funding sources. The Operations and Program Grant program continues to follow the original purposes of each fund and the intent set up by its donors. All specific fund purposes fall into one or more fields of interest: Animals & Environment; Arts & Culture; Community Development; Education; Health; and Youth Development. Fund Categories Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund: General Operating and Program requests only. Non-501(c)3 organizations and K-12 schools not eligible to apply for these funds. Must be located within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL. Chip Sunderbruch Memorial Risk Management Fund: Focuses on risk management and safety in Scott County, IA. John J. Quail Fund: Focuses on arts and culture. Roy E. Murray Fund: Focuses on youth. Funding Information Organizations submitting a 2-year grant request should request between $5,000 and $20,000 for each year (so a total request amount of between $10,000 and $40,000) Eligibility Criteria An organization must: Be located in Scott County, IA or Rock Island County, IL (Organizations that are not in those counties but are located within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL are eligible for a grant from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund only.) Organizations must NOT have received a two-year grant from the CFOI process in the prior calendar year. Organizations must comply with the Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policy.  Additional Eligibility Information 1-Year and 2-Year requests will be accepted Requests must cover the grant period of October 1– September 30 Requests must be between $5,000 and $20,000 ($40,000 total for 2-year requests) Applications from nonprofits that do not have 501(c)3 status and K-12 schools are not eligible for funding from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund. Evaluation Criteria Preference will be given to applications requesting general operating support. Preference will be given to applications supporting existing successful organizations or programs. Organization/program meets an identified community need in at least one of the six fields of interest. The organization/program demonstrates effectiveness in achieving its goals relative to the dollars used. The grant will contribute strongly to organization/program’s overall success. Organization/program advances racial and other forms of equity in the Quad Cities region through its actions and its leadership. Organization/program has a track record of success and a positive community impact. Funds that are part of the Operations and Program Grant opportunity will still be awarded in the name of that fund, and according to their individual purposes, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria. For more information, visit QCCF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for its Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program. Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation State: Illinois County: Coles County (IL), Effingham County (IL) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Land, Health, Community (LHC) is the Foundation’s primary and largest grantmaking program and reflects the Lumpkin family’s historic connection and commitment to the community. A minimum of 50 percent of its annual grantmaking budget is spent on projects in East Central Illinois. Through Land, Health, Community we work toward a long-term vision of holistically healthy communities. The Lumpkin Family Foundation makes grants in East Central Illinois that reflect the vision: The community has a strong local food system and agricultural economy, resilient businesses, and amenities that attract new businesses and retain local talent. They are prosperous. The community is physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing. They are mentally well and physically fit. The community has strong leadership and the capacity for collaboration. They are socially engaged. The community works to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. They value the natural beauty of the area. Mental Health The Lumpkin Family Foundation has now expanded the program’s focus to include efforts that contribute to mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment. Researchers have posited that “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.” Specifically, the foundation aims to fund programs that: Demonstrate and promote a connection between engagement with nature and positive mental health outcomes; Create opportunities for youth and young adults to disengage from technology and engage in outdoor programs and activities designed to improve their mental wellness; Support mental health practitioners by increasing opportunities for self-care or personal renewal; Provide opportunities for those impacted by trauma (i.e., foster youth) to engage in nature-based healing activities. Focus Areas  Successful proposals will represent a synergy of as many of the following aims as possible: Promote personal health through widespread availability and consumption of healthy, affordable food; Support mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment; Grow the local agricultural economy, sustaining and creating new viable farm and farm-related businesses; Develop, promote and scale innovative green practices that add productive value to farms while protecting the land for future generations; and, Encourage community engagement and collaboration, policy development and research around agriculture and rural development. Geographic Areas of Interest  The Foundation encourages applicants from organizations across East Central Illinois. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and the surrounding counties. For more information, visit TLFF.

This funding opportunity is designed for research partners in the Great Lakes-Northern Forest region to study and develop strategies for controlling the invasive Grass Carp population in Lake Erie and its tributaries.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust invites applications for projects to advance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Donor Name: Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust State: Selected States County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: It is focused on helping organizations go beyond basic care with innovative projects that provide an enhanced quality of life today and in the future. Program Areas  The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust’s priority is helping organizations go beyond basic care to support initiatives that will provide an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals today and in the future. Funding applications should address one of the following program areas: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering Continuing Education and Training Humane and Wildlife Education Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter Equipment Other Animal Care Initiatives Examples of projects preferred by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust include: Animal Adoption, Behavior Training, and Fostering – projects to increase successful adoptions or other non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity. Continuing Education and Training – opportunities for staff and volunteers to improve delivery of care and retain employees. Humane and Wildlife Education – school and community programs that address respecting animals, humane care, health issues and human/wildlife conflicts. Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Wellness Care for Animals – improving access to care for native wildlife and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas, as well as those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Pet and Feral Animal Population Control through Spay/Neuter – assistance for owned pets from under resourced households, incentive programs encouraging adoptions from shelters and humane control numbers of community cats or dogs. Equipment – items that directly benefiting homeless or injured animals Other Animal Care Initiatives – projects that celebrate the human-animal bond. Eligibility Criteria  Types of organizations supported by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust are limited to: Humane societies Animal welfare organizations focused on companion animals Nonprofit spay/neuter clinics Native wildlife rehabilitation and nature centers Educational institutions Equine organizations providing therapeutic programs or focused on adoption Other state or community organizations dedicated to companion animals Eligible organizations must: Have a current 501(c)(3) ruling from the IRS. Be in Ohio or selected counties in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin. Provide evidence of proper financial stewardship Financial support from 100% of board members Pursue a high quality of life for individual animals and improve the situation of significant numbers of animals. Deliver outstanding humane care, in facilities that meet or exceed accepted health and safety standards Have written policies on adoption procedures, spaying/neutering companion animals leaving the agency, display/release of wildlife, and keep records on intake/disposition of all animals. Annual revenue for basic animal sheltering, rescue, and care activities from sustainable sources. Preference will be given to organizations established for more than five years with an annual budget exceeding $50,000. For more information, visit KASCT.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will support projects in the Great Lakes basin that implement the following strategic, priority actions: Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease ImpactsImplement targeted reforestation and forest protection actions to minimize invasive forest insect and disease impacts on watersheds. Reduce Runoff through Green Infrastructure Capture or treat stormwater runoff by planting trees and other vegetation as an integral component of green infrastructure. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats Protect, restore, and enhance high-quality coastal zone and connecting riparian ecosystems where trees are an important component. The minimum and maximum Federal funding requests vary depending on program area, with an overall range of $50,000 to $300,000. Please review the funding table in the Request for Applications for the allowable ranges of each program area. An informational webinar will occur on July 23rd, 2024, at 9 am Central/10 am Eastern. The link is: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/91m9ed3hrjpkab7c1a5zly1ud025xxc5 The powerpoint can be found at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/mffkiks7dyhmuewtir2liy7tllo06u16 The webinar recording is also posted on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/workingtogether/grants/?cid=FSEPRD898819.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3054-2638): The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, administered by the Commerce And Econ Opp agency, aims to provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. The program is designed to remove barriers caused by lack of capital and promote project, community, and business development. The anticipated number of awards is 40, with an estimated total program funding of $25,500,000. The award range is between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The source of funding is the state government of Illinois. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements, but indirect costs are not allowed. The application period is from November 16, 2023, to June 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance sessions are offered on November 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM and registration can be done through a provided link. Applicants must be pre-qualified entities registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. For more information on eligibility criteria and application requirements, please visit the grant application link provided in the description above.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), provides funding for small-scale transportation projects that support active transportation users, including walkers and bicyclists. The program also funds historic preservation, vegetation management, and environmental mitigation transportation projects. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by a member entity of the Tri-County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and other governmental entities within the MPO planning area must have co-sponsorship. The total program funding is $1,170,320. Applications are accepted from April 17, 2024, to June 28, 2024, with a mandatory technical assistance session offered on May 2, 2024. The federal funds cover 80% of preliminary engineering, utility relocation, construction engineering, and construction costs, with a 20% non-federal match required. Right-of-way and easement acquisitions are funded at 50% federal, 50% non-federal match. Indirect costs are not eligible.

Value: The Highland Area Community Foundation (H.A.C.F.) appears to be offering a grant for community-related projects. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative that includes a description of the organization's general purpose, objectives, and operational scope; a statement of the problem addressed; details on the purpose and expectations of the specific project for which funding is sought, including its relevance to community needs; a proposed program design; and a detailed project budget including other funding sources. Funds must be used specifically for the purpose stated in the grant award, and a progress report with photos is required within 12 months of receiving the award.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and counties for energy audits and upgrades to improve energy efficiency in government buildings.

This program provides funding to organizations in Illinois to develop and expand apprenticeship opportunities, particularly for underrepresented populations, by fostering collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

This grant opportunity from Grand Victoria Foundation is focused on supporting organizations in Elgin that are dedicated to inclusive civic engagement and high-functioning human services, education, and economic systems. The foundation awards Mission Grants to organizations meeting the needs of the community and Partnership and Collaboration Grants to those working with local institutions to bring about positive community change. Eligible organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity or partnered with a fiscal sponsor, demonstrate high quality and impact, good governance and management, and fiscal health. The foundation does not fund individuals, political campaigns, religious purposes, or governmental entities. They welcome multi-year requests from organizations with which they have an existing or prior funding relationship and generally consider proposals for two-year grants. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which can be submitted throughout the year. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the program areas and eligibility requirements before completing the online LOI application. For more information about this grant opportunity and to begin your application, please visit: https://grandvictoriafoundation.givingdata.com/portal/campaign/gvfletterofinquiry

This grant provides funding for community-based projects in Urbana that promote sustainability, climate resiliency, and inclusive participation among diverse residents.

This program provides financial support to local governments in Illinois for community development and resilience projects in areas impacted by the closure or reduced operation of fossil fuel power plants, coal mines, or nuclear facilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for non-federal members of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit to conduct statistical evaluations and monitoring of native fish populations in the Upper Mississippi River, aimed at improving ecological restoration efforts.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.