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Illinois CMP Grants

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Grant Program Overview

Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grants protect, preserve, and restore the natural and cultural resources along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. Funding 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.

To receive funding, a project must advance CMP's priorities within the coastal area boundary. Habitat and low-cost construction projects (including signage) must be located entirely within the coastal area.

Coastal area boundary maps:

Current grantees, please visit: Grantee Information

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include units of local government (e.g., municipalities, park districts, school districts, forest preserve districts), universities, and non-profit organizations. Private individuals, for-profit organizations, and organizations that cannot be pre-qualified through the State of Illinois grantee portal are not eligible to receive grant funds. For planning projects, we require a letter of commitment from the landowner if the applicant does not own the land. Public landowners and long-term lease holders are the only eligible applicants for on-the-ground projects such as low-cost construction or habitat restoration.

How much can applicants request?

Applicants may request between $1,000 and $150,000, with a 1:1 match required for most projects. Local governmental applicants from Economically Challenged Communities qualify for a lower match requirement. Citizen science grant are limited to $10,000. Match must be directly related to work within the Coastal area.

How long is the funding period?

The funding period is 18 months. Precise start and end dates depend upon approval by NOAA and state funding authorization. Proposed projects can take fewer than 18 months, but not more.

When are performance reports due?

Performance reporting is required quarterly for projects $25,000 and over, and twice annually for smaller projects. Final narrative reports are required after project completion.

What type of grant is this?

This is a reimbursement grant. Full documentation of all grant and match expenses is required for reimbursement.

What is the total funding available?

Total funding available in past rounds has ranged from $550,000 to $975,000 per funding year.

Past Awardees:

Grants Program Contact:

Ania Bayers, Program Manager
Phone: 312-814-6384
DNR.CMP@illinois.gov

Mailing Address:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Coastal Management Program
160 N LaSalle Street, Suite S-703
Chicago, IL 60601
Attn: Coastal Grants Program
Main Office Number: 312-814-1405
Fax: 312-793-5968