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Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

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

The Coastal Grants Program is now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for FY26 Grants until May 20, 2026 at 5 p.m.

We will be hosting a virtual webinar on April 22 at 1:00 p.m. Register for the webinar at: https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/refa2c9115d0783dec3cc82301bfc7765

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. 

Funding Categories

  1. Coastal Habitats and Species
  2. Coastal Public Access and Recreation
  3. Coastal Community Resilience
  4. Coastal Community Development 


To view examples of past projects that were awarded, please visit: https://dnr.illinois.gov/cmp/coastalgrants/pastgrants.html

Grant Details

Total Funding Available: Ranges from $550,000 to $1,075,000 per funding year depending on federal funding.

Individual Award Amount: $50,000 - $250,000

Match Requirements: Minimum 50%. Match must be directly related to work within the coastal region. Reduced match available for Economically Challenged Communities.

Award Period: 12 - 24 months 

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. 

How to Apply

FY26 Competitive Grants Application
Funding Guidelines

Deadline: May 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST

To apply for this grant opportunity, please visit the Notice of Funding Opportunity linked above on the Euna Grant Management System (formerly Amplifund). Euna is now utilized by State of Illinois for all stages of grant management, including performance and financial reporting.

Euna offers training and resources as well as Help Desk assistance. State of Illinois staff have limited ability to troubleshoot Euna issues. Questions regarding issues with Euna should be directed to AmpliFund helpdesk at https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

Euna 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