GrantExec

Illinois Recreation Grants

Explore 75 grant opportunities

Boat Access Area Development (BAAD)
$200,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State

Application Deadline

Sep 30, 2025

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Illinois for developing and improving public access areas for boats and canoes on state waterways.

Natural Resources
City or township governments
Community Planning Grant
$40,000
Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD)
State

Application Deadline

May 29, 2026

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local public agencies in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for developing comprehensive plans focused on parks, recreation, and environmental management.

Recreation
City or township governments
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP-L)
$93,700,000
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments and transportation agencies in northeastern Illinois for projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, promoting non-motorized travel and connectivity within the region.

Transportation
City or township governments
Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC)
$2,800,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Illinois for the construction and rehabilitation of public recreational facilities, ensuring long-term benefits for community parks and recreation infrastructure.

Recreation
City or township governments
Off-Highway Vehicle Program (OHV)
$500,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the development and maintenance of off-highway vehicle trails and facilities in Illinois, targeting local governments, non-profits, businesses, and individuals committed to enhancing public access to OHV recreation.

Recreation
County governments
Coastal Competitive Grants Program
$250,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

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.

Natural Resources
City or township governments
Bike Path Grant Program (BIKE)
$200,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 28, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments in Illinois for the development and improvement of public, off-road bicycle paths and related facilities to promote safe and accessible biking.

Recreation
City or township governments
Acquisition of Land or Conservation Easements Grant Program
Contact for amount
Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC)
Private

Application Deadline

Aug 15, 2025

Date Added

Jun 30, 2025

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Illinois for acquiring land or conservation easements to protect and enhance natural habitats and wildlife areas.

Natural Resources
Nonprofits
Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD)
$1,125,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Sep 30, 2025

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Illinois for acquiring and developing land dedicated to public outdoor recreation.

Recreation
City or township governments
Park & Trail Grant
$300,000
Metroeast Park and Recreation District (MEPRD)
State

Application Deadline

May 29, 2026

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments and qualified organizations in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois, for the development and improvement of public parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

Recreation
City or township governments
Greenway and Trails Technical Assistance Program
$20,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides financial assistance to coalitions of local governments, organizations, and stakeholders in Illinois to plan and develop greenways and trails that promote conservation, recreation, and community connectivity.

Recreation
State governments
IL Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)
$3,000,000
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments and eligible organizations for small-scale transportation projects that improve alternative transportation options, preserve cultural resources, and enhance community quality of life in Illinois.

Transportation
City or township governments
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program
$750,000
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jun 13, 2025

This program provides funding to local governments in Illinois for acquiring land designated for public outdoor recreation, such as parks and natural areas.

Natural Resources
City or township governments
2025 Access to Recreation Program
$3,000
Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Private

Application Deadline

Jul 11, 2025

Date Added

Jun 4, 2025

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Sangamon County, Illinois, to create accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Mary Ridder Cherny Fund
Contact for amount
Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 14, 2025

This fund provides financial assistance to support students from kindergarten through twelfth grade in Quincy, Illinois, who wish to participate in the performing arts, helping to cover costs such as lessons, instruments, and related materials.

Arts
Nonprofits
2025 Mirza/Arts & Culture Grants
Contact for amount
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 17, 2025

This funding opportunity supports creative projects in art, music, theater, and literature that promote arts education and cultural enrichment for individuals and communities.

Arts
Nonprofits
DCCF Build the Future Grants
$100,000
DeKalb County Community Foundation
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 14, 2025

This program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations and public entities in DeKalb County, Illinois, to support the construction and expansion of facilities that address community needs.

Arts
Nonprofits
Sol Shulman Jewish Education and Life Grants 2025
$33,000
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 14, 2025

This grant provides funding for Jewish educational initiatives and cultural programs in DeWitt, McLean, Livingston, and Logan counties in Illinois, supporting projects that are open to all residents.

Education
County governments
City of Edwardsville Special Events Grant 2025-2026
$8,000
City of Edwardsville
Local

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 14, 2025

This program provides reimbursement funding to nonprofit organizations for marketing and municipal expenses related to free events that attract visitors to Edwardsville, fostering community engagement and economic growth.

Recreation
Nonprofits
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation General Grants 2025
$5,000
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Feb 14, 2025

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, or Logan Counties that are implementing innovative programs focused on education, health and wellness, or youth development.

Education
Nonprofits