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Coastal Competitive Grants Program
We are currently accepting applications for FY25 grants until January 10, 2025.
To apply, please visit: https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/78a62009-1b72-4fcd-a472-4881733b9bab
Grant Program Overview
The Coastal Competitive Grants Program provides funding for projects that advance the mission of the Illinois Coastal Management Program (CMP) to protect, preserve, and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. We accept proposals for projects that meet our yearly priorities of coastal habitat restoration, coastal outreach and education, and coastal community development.
Funding for this grant opportunity is administered by CMP through a cooperative agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Office for Coastal Management. This program is administered annually with $550,000 to $975,000 per funding year typically available.
FY25 Funding Categories
- Coastal Habitats and Species
- Coastal Public Access, Recreation, and Economic Development
- Coastal Community Resilience
To view examples of past projects that were awarded, please visit: https://dnr.illinois.gov/cmp/coastalgrants/pastgrants.html
Grant Details
Full details of the FY25 Coastal Competitive Grant Opportunity can be found in the Funding Guidelines document linked below. Additionally, a webinar was held on November 13 and the materials can be found below.
Total Funding Available: Ranges from $550,000 to $1,075,000 per funding year depending on federal funding.
Individual Award Amount: $75,000 - $250,000
Match Requirements: Minimum 25%. Match must be directly related to work within the coastal region.
Award Period: 6 - 18 months (~September 2025 - Spring 2026, exact dates dependant on grant approval timing)
Eligible Applicants: Units of Local Government, Universities, and 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organizations.
Project Location:
Projects must advance CMP’s priorities for the Illinois coastal region. Outreach and education, planning, workforce development, etc projects can be located outside of the designated Illinois Coastal Zone if they are focused on Illinois coastal issues.
On-the-ground habitat and low-cost construction projects (including signage) MUST be located entirely within the designated Illinois Coastal Zone. To determine if your project qualifies, please review the Illinois Coastal Zone boundary maps. Please note: Projects of this type will NOT be eligible for funding for FY25.
Illinois Coastal Zone Maps
How to Apply
Deadline: January 10, 2025
To apply for this grant opportunity, please visit the Notice of Funding Opportunity linked above on the AmpliFund grant management system. AmpliFund is now utilized by State of Illinois for all stages of grant management, including performance and financial reporting.
AmpliFund offers training and resources as well as Help Desk assistance. State of Illinois staff have limited ability to troubleshoot AmpliFund issues. Questions regarding issues with AmpliFund should be directed to AmpliFund helpdesk at https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
AmpliFund grantee trainings can be accessed at: https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/4402911993619-AmpliFund-Grantee-Recipient-Series
Applicants must be pre-qualified on the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal.
For additional questions about this grant opportunity, please contact:
Meg Kelly, Coastal Management Program Director
meg.kelly@illinois.gov
Main Office Number: 312-814-1405
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
160 N LaSalle Street, Suite S-703
Chicago, IL 60601