NAS - Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program FY26

The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program is a grant program that aims to increase stewardship on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and registered Land and Water Reserves. The program is open to Conservation Land Trusts that are exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code. The program will provide funding for stewardship activities such as control of exotic and invasive species, prescribed burns, and restoration/enhancement of native plant communities. The grant program has a maximum funding of $100,000 per project and a minimum project amount of $20,000. The grant term will be no more than two years and will be paid on a reimbursement basis at the end of the project. • Eligible recipients are Conservation Land Trusts performing stewardship activities on eligible land. • Eligible lands include those protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve, dedicated buffer, or registered as a Land and Water Reserve. • The preserve or reserve must have a current management schedule approved by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. • Conservation Land Trusts can work on eligible land owned by another entity provided there is a properly executed agreement between the Conservation Land Trust and the landowner. • Grant assistance may be obtained for stewardship activities, contractual services, purchase and rental of supplies and equipment, staff time, and indirect costs.