NAS - Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program (FY23)

Eligible Recipients are Conservation Land Trusts performing stewardship activities on eligible land.

The purpose of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program is to increase stewardship on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and registered Land and Water Reserves through grants to Conservation Land Trusts, and to increase stewardship capacity within Conservation Land Trusts.

Funding for this grant program is derived from a portion of the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF); NAAF is a Department of Natural Resources fund that supports the acquisition, protection, and stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act, 525 ILCS 35/14). Stewardship actions funded by this grant program must be included in the management schedules approved by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Eligible costs may include contractual services, staff time related to the project, equipment and materials necessary to complete stewardship projects such as tools, safety items, herbicide, construction materials, and indirect costs. Benefit costs are not eligible. Grant Program Administration: By Administrative Rule, maximum funding to one project is $100,000. A suggested minimum project amount is $20,000. There is a 5% or $1000 matching fund requirement, whichever is less on each project. Length of grant term will be no more than two (2) years and will be paid on a reimbursement basis at the end of the project unless other arrangements are provided in the grant agreement.

10% de minimus or the entity's NICR rate

The match is to be 5% or a minimum of $1,000

If your question is related to the general; grant application process or difficulties with Amplifund, contact susan.duke@illinois.gov. If your question is program specific with regards to stewardship items or nature preserves, please contact the program biologist Jenny.Skufca@illinois,gov.

Conservation Land Trusts

Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program

Periodic performance and periodic financial reporting is required quarterly.

Susan J. Duke Grant Administrator Office of Grant Management and Assistance One Natural Resources Way Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271 Desk (217) 785-4416 Fax (217) 785-2438 susan.duke@illinois.gov

Jenny Skufca Natural Areas Program Manager Division of Natural Heritage Illinois Department of Natural Resources Cell: (217)761-0349 Jenny.Skufca@illinois.gov