CDBG Economic Development Program

CDBG Economic Development Program is sponsored by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Federal funding for community-based projects to assist private businesses in retaining or creating full-time permanent jobs, including public infrastructure improvements supporting local companies.

Bi-State Commission - Economic Development Enterprise Zones and Other Districts Written by: interGen support Category: Economic Development Published: 08 September 2022 Federal Grant Conditions/Assurances/DBE-MBE Written by: interGen support Category: Economic Development Published: 08 September 2022 Written by: Sarah Grabowski Category: Economic Development As a service to member governments, Bi-State Regional Commission staff are available to prepare grant applications as requested.

Staff have experience in writing applications for infrastructure including public facilities (e.g. water and sewer), public safety, transportation, recreation and open space, housing rehabilitation, environmental, and economic development projects. Depending on the funding program and application process, staff assistance may require a separate contract.

Bi-State staff can write and administer grants for many types of awarded projects, maintaining compliance with all applicable state and federal guidelines and requirements.

In order for Bi-State staff to best assist with grant applications, the applying member government should be prepared to provide the following information: Proposed project scope and purpose, including target population and explanation of how the project fits within the member government’s goals Detailed project budgets, including estimates/quotes if applicable Budget for most current fiscal year Community’s comprehensive plan and/or mission statement, or documents supporting the project's planning and priority Any other supplementary materials as dictated by the grant application guidelines Staff also offers assistance in conducting household surveys as needed for applications, particularly for competitive state programs funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which require documentation of benefit to at least 51% low-and moderate-income persons to establish eligibility.

Income survey contracts should be scheduled well in advance of application deadlines. These grant programs include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in Illinois and by the Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in Iowa. Iowa applicants should be registered with IowaGrants.

gov , which provides an online grant application and management system as well as a search portal for grant and loan opportunities. Grant Writing and Administration Category: Economic Development Published: 13 November 2012 As a service to member governments, Bi-State Regional Commission staff are available to prepare grant applications as requested.

Staff have experience in writing applications for infrastructure including public facilities (e.g. water and sewer), public safety, transportation, recreation and open space, housing rehabilitation, environmental, and economic development projects. Depending on the funding program and application process, staff assistance may require a separate contract.

Iowa Economic Development Authority Recreation & Natural Resources: Illinois | Iowa | Nation Wide #trail Transportation: Illinois | Iowa Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Grants Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) https://www. illinois. gov/dceo/ Grant funds of up to $750,000 may be available for loan by a local government to businesses locating or expanding in the community.

Funds may be used for machinery and equipment, working capital, building construction and renovation. Grants may also be available for improvements to public infrastructure in direct support of a business that would create and/or retain jobs in the community. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) https://www.

illinois. gov/dceo/ May be used to finance rehabilitation of residential buildings, including improvements for energy efficiency. In conjunction with rehabilitation activities, CDAP funds may be used to finance acquisition, disposition, clearance and relocation to arrest decline of an area.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Facilities and Services Fund Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) http://www. iowaeconomicdevelopment. com/CDBG The Community Facilities and Services Fund provides grants to communities for a variety of projects and activities primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, including day care facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops and other community services.

Projects must incorporate and support Iowa’s state sustainable principles. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) http://www. iowaeconomicdevelopment.

com/CDBG/ The IEDA will fund owner-occupied rehabilitation for single family homes being used as the principal residence.. Projects must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons and support Iowa’s sustainable principles. Rehabilitation projects have a maximum per unit subsidy of $37,500, and hard costs are limited to $24,999 of the total maximum subsidy of $37,500.

Rail Economic Development Program Iowa Department of Transportation http://www. dot. state.

ia. us/fundguid. htm To promote development in Iowa through maintaining or providing rail service to companies that create or retain jobs.

Eligible: Iowa cities/counties. Grants or loans up to 80% of eligible costs. Eligible projects must represent an immediate need related to job creation or retention.

Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) Iowa Department of Transportation http://www. dot. state.

ia. us/fundguid. htm To promote economic development in Iowa through construction or improvement of roads and streets.

Eligible: Iowa cities/counties. Immediate Opportunity: projects related to an immediate, non-speculative opportunity for permanent job creation or retention. Jobs created are to be value-adding in nature (i.e. manufacturing, industrial, non-retail), and relocation of jobs within the state does not quality.

Local match of at least 20%. Local Development: projects which support local development, but do not require an immediate commitment of funds or do not meet threshold set for Immediate Opportunity projects (i.e. industrial parks, tourist attractions); and evaluated on 5 factors of development potential, economic impact, local commitment and initiative, transportation need and area economic need.

Immediate Opportunity: Anytime Local Development: February 1 and September 1 Rural Community Development Initiative United States Department of Agriculture https://www. rd. usda.

gov/programs-services/rural-community-development-initiative-grants This program provides funding to help non-profit housing and community development organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. To apply, contact: Mr. Michael Wallace USDA Rural Development, IL State Office, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign IL 61821.

Assistance to Firefighter's Grant Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www. usfa. fema.

gov/grants The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers this grant to salaried and volunteer fire departments to supplement their budget in up to two of six areas: training, wellness/fitness, vehicles, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and fire prevention programs.

Cities under 20,000 people need to also provide 5% non-federal funds while cities between 20,000 and 1,000,000 residents need to provide 10% non-Federal funds. Varies by population size Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Facilities (water/sewer) Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) http://www. iowaeconomicdevelopment.

com/CDBG/ Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to cities and counties on an annual competitive basis through the Water/Sewer Fund. Assisted activities include sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water and wastewater treatment facilities, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements, and rural water connections.

Volunteer Fire Assistance USDA and State Forest Services http://www. fs. fed.

us/fire/partners/vfa/ In an effort to help communities meet and expand their fire suppression responsibilities, the USDA and state forest services are offering this grant to rural (less than 10,000 pop.) fire departments desiring to seek assistance for equipment, property acquisition, or supplies. To apply, contact Mr. Tom Wilson, IL Dept of Natural Resources, 604 E Franklin, Jerseyville, IL 62052.

Varies (average award is $5,000 or less) Assistance to Firefighter's Grant Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www. usfa. fema.

gov/grants The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers this grant to salaried and volunteer fire departments to supplement their budget in up to two of six areas: training, wellness/fitness, vehicles, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and fire prevention programs.

Cities under 20,000 people need to also provide 5% non-federal funds while cities between 20,000 and 1,000,000 residents need to provide 10% non-Federal funds. Varies by population size Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grants Bureau of Justice Administration http://ojp. gov/bvpbasi/home.

html In order to defer the costs of acquiring bulletproof vests, the Bureau of Justice Administration is promoting this grant for law enforcement agencies with a demonstrated need of vests to outfit every officer in jurisdictions. On-line application is required at the website listed above to receive a match of 50% purchasing costs, including shipping and handling. More information can be seen at SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT http://www.

nlectc. org/pdffiles/selectapp. pdf Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Universal Hiring Program Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services https://cops.

usdoj. gov/Default. asp?

Item=46 The Department of Justice, COPS office will provide grants to hire/rehire officers in order to increase police presence and public safety within local communities. These year-long grants can pay for up to 75% of the officer's salary while a local match of at least 25% is also required.

Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) Emergency Public Facilities Grants Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) https://www. illinois. gov/dceo/ Eligible activities are identical to those in the Competitive Public Facilities component but which are of an urgent nature and have occurred outside the normal funding cycle.

This funding is generally reserved for emergencies caused by natural events, such as flood, tornado, extreme weather. Emergencies attributable to a lack of maintenance are not considered eligible. Pre-application must be submitted to CDBG Emergency Public Infrastructure Program, Ridgley Building 2 nd Floor, 500 E.

Monroe, Springfield, IL 62701. All other CDAP requirements, including low-to-moderate income threshold, still have to be met. Federal Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program Iowa Department of Transportation http://www.

dot. state. ia.

us/fundguid. htm Using a set-aside of Surface Transportation funds, this federal program provides for the replacement or rehabilitation of structurally deficient or functionally obsolete public roadway bridges. Any agency with public road jurisdiction is eligible although a 20% local match is required (80% federal funding).

The specified bridges must be classified as structurally deficient or obsolete according to federal guidelines in order to receive this grant.

Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice The US Justice Department is sponsoring a grant to promote local law enforcement through hiring, training, and overtime for law enforcement personnel; enhancing school security measures; enhancing the adjudication of cases involving violent offenders; establishing multi-jurisdictional task forces; and establishing crime prevention programs involving community residents.

State and local governments may apply for this grant provided that they have the required 10% matching funds. Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program (Drug Control and System Improvement Program) Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice The US DOJ is funding this grant to increase communities' abilities to combat drug abuse and local drug related issues.

The emphasis of this program is on reducing availability of drugs, reducing crime, improving effectiveness of the criminal justice system, improving offender habitation, and increasing offender accountability. The grant requires a cash match of 25% and is available for state or local programs (although 40% must pass-through to local governments). 5% must be set aside for criminal justice record improvement.

Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction Program Iowa Department of Transportation http://www. dot. state.

ia. us/fundguid. htm To assist cities in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on primary roads, the Iowa DOT is sponsoring this program to improve/create ADA-approved curb ramps within any Iowa city.

Outlined plans must involve a municipal extension of a primary road. DOT may pay up to 100% of eligible costs. Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners (RSAT) Corrections Program office, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice The Corrections Program Office is administering a grant to provide for the successful rehabilitation of drug-addicted inmates.

Each state is allocated a base amount of 0. 4 percent of total funds available. The remaining funds are divided based on the same ratio of each state’s prison population to the total prison population of all states.

Each program must consist of a 6-12 month timeframe, be provided in residential facilities set apart from the general correctional population, focus on substance abuse problems of the inmate, perform drug testing, and develop the inmates’ cognitive, behavioral, social, or vocational skills. All levels of state and local governments may apply provided they attain a 25% cash match.

STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Violence Against Women Grants Office, Office of Justice Programs, US DOJ The STOP Violence Against Women Act is a grant proposed to increase community protection through the training of law enforcement and prosecutors, developing police prosecution policies, improving data collection/communication systems, developing programs which address stalking, developing victim service programs focusing on rural, racial, cultural, and language minority services.

Each state and territory must allocate 25 percent for law enforcement, 25 percent for prosecutors, 30 percent for victim services (of which at least 10 percent must be distributed to culturally specific community-based organizations), 5 percent to state and local courts, and 15 percent for discretionary distribution. Urban-State Traffic Engineering Program (U-STEP) Iowa Department of Transportation http://www. dot.

state. ia. us/fundguid.

htm The Iowa DOT is sponsoring a program to improve traffic problems on primary roads in all Iowa cities. Improvements must involve a municipal extension of a primary road and the city must match 45% of the cost (55% state funded). Spot improvements are single locations limited to $200,000 while linear road improvements may span several intersections and receive up to $400,000.

Volunteer Fire Assistance USDA and State Forest Services http://www. fs. fed.

us/fire/partners/vfa/ In an effort to help communities meet and expand their fire suppression responsibilities, the USDA and state forest services are offering this grant to rural (less than 10,000 pop.) fire departments desiring to seek assistance for equipment, property acquisition, or supplies. To apply, contact Mr. Tom Wilson, IL Dept of Natural Resources, 604 E Franklin, Jerseyville, IL 62052.

Varies (average award is $5,000 or less) Recreation & Natural Resources (Iowa) Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr. gov/Things-to-Do/Off-Highway-Vehicles/OHV-Grants The DNR ATV Trail grants offer funding for the development of public riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, trail groomers, insurance, and land acquisition.

Money is available to public entities (such as county conservation boards, and cities) and incorporated private organizations. Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT) Iowa Economic Development Authority http://www. iowaeconomicdevelopment.

com/Community/EnhanceIowa The Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT) Program funds community attractions and tourism development activities that enhance the economic impact of tourism.

CAT projects must be available to the general public for public use and be primarily vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings, all appurtenant structures, utilities, site development, and recreational trails). CAT awards average 16-18% of the final negotiated project cost. 50% local match is required.

January, April, July, and October Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Iowa Department of Transportation www. fhwa. dot.

gov/environment/rectrails/index. htm The program is intended to provide and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail-related projects. Public agencies, non-profit organizations and private organizations (and/or individuals) are eligible to sponsor.

Private sponsorship will require a public agency co-sponsor. Minimum 20% local match is required. Trails resulting from successful applications must be maintained as a public facility for a minimum of 20 years.

Must have Iowa DOT recommendation and Iowa Transportation Commission approval. FHWA environmental concurrence is required. Projects must conform to federal funding.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr. gov/About-DNR/Grants-Other-Funding/Fish-Habitat-Program Funding assistance is available to County Conservation Boards for land acquisition and development of fish habitat.

Up to 90% of costs may be reimbursed under this program. Land must be under the direct control of the county to be eligible for assistance. This program is unique in that the applications are sent to the County Conservation Board Districts for review and selection of projects.

Last working day of November Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) Iowa Department of Transportation http://www. dot. state.

ia. us/fundguid. htm The Iowa DOT is sponsoring a program which will assist highway/street, transit, and trail projects so that Iowa can maintain its clean air quality by reducing transportation-related emissions.

Eligible projects must be on the federal aid system and a city or county may co-sponsor for private organizations. A 20% local match is necessary and the minimal project cost must be over $20,000. Eligible projects must perform one of the following: reduce emissions via traffic flow improvements, reduce vehicle miles of travel, or reduce single occupant vehicle trips.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr. gov/About-DNR/Grants-Other-Funding/Land-Water-Conservation-Fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund provide 50% grants for acquisition and development of outdoors recreation areas and facilities.

Grants are made to the State of Iowa or its political subdivisions. Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr.

gov/Conservation/REAP/REAP-Grants The IA DNR will fund recreation enhancement projects that deal with trails and preserving natural areas from improper land use. Typical projects include trails, arboretums, rest rooms, shelter houses, picnic facilities, museums, parks, preserves, and forests. REAP provides 100% grants to cities and counties for open space protection and passive outdoor recreation.

Riverboat Development Authority (RDA) www. riverboatauthority. com RDA provides grants for things such as riverfront development, tourism, economic development, neighborhood development, arts, culture, heritage, education, and human services.

Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA) www. scottcountyregionalauthority. com SCRA provides awards for services such as arts, city government, colleges/universities, conservation, county departments, disabilities, fire and rescue, historic preservation, housing, law enforcement, libraries, medical, museums, park and recreation, schools, seniors, social services, veterans, and youth services.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr. gov/Things-to-Do/Snowmobiles/Snowmobile-Grants The DNR Snowmobile Trail grants offer funding for the development of riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, trail groomers, insurance, and land acquisition.

Money is available to public entities (such as county conservation boards, and cities) and incorporated private organizations. 25% local match is required. State Recreational Trails Program Iowa Department of Transportation The State Recreational Trails Program funds public recreational trails.

The grant requires a 20% local match and the trail must be maintained as a public facility for a minimum of 20 years. Proposed projects must be part of a statewide, regional, area-wide, or local trail plan. State agencies, counties and are eligible cities and non-profit organizations may sponsor applications.

Watchable Wildlife / Forest Legacy Program Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr. gov/Conservation/Forestry/Forestry-Landowner-Assistance/Forest-Legacy The purpose of the program is to manage wildlife resources and people and to provide sustainable recreational benefits to those who wish to observe, photograph and otherwise enjoy wildlife through activities other than hunting and fishing.

This program presents opportunities to enhance the attractiveness of a trail and as a means of increasing public awareness of wildlife. Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund Replacement Wildlife Habitat Promotion with Local Entities Program Iowa Department of Natural Resources http://www. iowadnr.

gov/About-DNR/Grants-Other-Funding/Wildlife-Habitat-Grant The DNR offers 75% cost-share funding to County Conservation Boards for the acquisition and development of lands for wildlife habitat. Lands must be open to hunting and trapping. Only those compatible activities such as fishing, hiking, nature study, cross-country skiing, etc. will be permitted.

Last business day in May and November Recreation & Natural Resources (Illinois) Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Illinois Department of Natural Resources http://dnr. state. il.

us/ocd/newrtp2. htm This program provides funding assistance for acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized recreation trails.

Examples of eligible project activities include: trail construction and rehabilitation; restoration of areas adjacent to trails damaged by unauthorized trail uses; construction of trail-related support facilities and amenities; and acquisition from willing sellers of trail corridors through easements or fee simple title.

By law, 30% of each states' RTP funding must be earmarked for motorized trail projects, 30% for non-motorized trail projects and the remaining 40% for multi-use (diversified) motorized and non-motorized trails or a combination of either. The RTP program can provide up to 80% federal funding on approved projects and requires a minimum 20% non-federal funding match.

Forest Products Industry Assistance Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www. dnr. illinois.

gov/grants/Pages/default. aspx This program provides assistance to forest industries by providing: Forestry Development Act (FDA): Provides the funding source for a forest landowner cost-share program. This program is funded through the collection of a four (4) percent harvest fee on all timber sales.

These funds are only available for the cost-share program and the operations of the Illinois Legislature's Council on forestry Development. The Council gathers and disseminates information on the State's forest resources and industries, and makes recommendations on appropriate forest management practices.

Timber, lumber and forest-based herbal product marketing information, forest resource information for potential new forest industries, and recommendations regarding improved operating techniques. Illinois Department of Natural Resources http://dnr. state.

il. us/orep/planning/greenwaybro2. pdf The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offers assistance for greenways and trails through the Planning Assistance Program.

This program is designed to assist communities, counties and multi-county coalitions with greenway and trail planning. The program is an extension of successful IDNR-assisted greenway and trail planning for northeastern Illinois and downstate metro-areas.

The goal of the program is to encourage and facilitate comprehensive, cooperative and coordinated planning to protect high priority greenways and, where appropriate, provide public access to them by developing trails. The applicant must be a public/quasi-public agency that will be involved in implementing plan.

The proposal and plan must be developed active, organized broad-based coalition greenway and trail interests and agencies from planning area that will logically be involved development, promotion and implementation plan. The applicant and/or other coalition members demonstrate cost-sharing commitments (either in-kind services) to develop the plan. The proposal must describe methodology that results in prioritized implementation.

The proposal must include evidence that most major local governments that will be involved in implementing the plan are supportive of greenway and trail planning. Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www. dnr.

illinois. gov/education/Pages/GrantsIBFTG. aspx Teachers of grades prekindergarten through 12 in Illinois, including home-schooling teachers, may apply to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) program to receive funding for natural resources-related field trips.

Funding priority is given to single-day, outdoor field trips. Illinois Department of Natural Resources http://dnr. state.

il. us/Grants/Special%20Funds/FY2006/WildGrant. htm#pheasant The Illinois Habitat Fund is one of three programs funded through the purchase of a State Habitat Stamp.

The Habitat Endowment Act, enacted in 1992, provides long-term funding for the State Pheasant Fund, State Furbearer Fund and the Illinois Habitat Fund. The State Habitat Stamp replaced the existing Pheasant and Furbearer stamps, expanding opportunities for enhancement to all types of habitat.

For the Illinois Habitat Fund Grant Program, eligible projects are limited to those seeking to preserve, protect, acquire or manage habitat (all wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands, natural or altered) in Illinois that have the potential to support populations of wildlife in any or all phases of their life cycles.

Eligible recipients are limited to any appropriate not-for-profit organization or government agency that has the expertise, equipment, adequate staff/workforce and permission from the landowner (if applicable) to develop and/or manage habitat. Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Illinois Department of Transportation http://www. idot.

illinois. gov/transportation-system/local-transportation-partners/county-engineers-and-local-public-agencies/funding-opportunities/ITEP The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) is a reimbursable program that is funded by a 10 percent set aside of the Federal Surface Transportation Program.

The ITEP provides funding for community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure. Each state has the flexibility to create a program that best suits its needs, within the limits of federal and state law. Project sponsors may receive up to 80 percent reimbursement for project costs.

The remaining 20 percent is the responsibility of the project sponsor. In order to qualify for funding, a project must qualify as one of the 12 eligible activities listed below and it must relate to surface transportation. Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www.

dnr. illinois. gov/grants/Pages/IllinoisWildlifepreservationFund.

aspx The Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund Grant Program is designed to preserve, protect, perpetuate and enhance non-game wildlife and native plant resources of Illinois through preservation of a satisfactory environment and an ecological balance. Management projects are those activities related to stewardship of land and/or water, which are of direct benefit to non-game wildlife, native plants and natural communities.

Examples of this type of project include exotic species removal, brush cutting, nest structures, and vegetation management. Site inventory projects are those activities that inventory species, taxa (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, plants, invertebrates, etc.), vegetation, habitats, etc. on an area of land.

Education projects are those activities that teach Illinoisans about the natural world around them and hopefully have lasting effects. Examples of this type of project include interpretive trails, trail signs, curricula, displays, workshops, development of ongoing outdoor education activities, instructional packets and materials. (“One time only” projects directed at one small group of students will generally not be funded.)

Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund Illinois Department of Natural Resources http://dnr. state. il.

us/Grants/Special%20Funds/FY2006/WildGrant. htm#pheasant The Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund Grant Program is dedicated to the conservation of waterfowl that pass through Illinois during their migrations.

Eligible projects are limited to development of waterfowl propagation areas within the Dominion of Canada or the United States that specifically provide waterfowl for the Mississippi Flyway, and projects to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan for the development of waterfowl areas within the Dominion of Canada or the United States that specifically provide waterfowl for the Mississippi Flyway.

Eligible recipients are limited to appropriate not-for-profit organizations. Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www. dnr.

illinois. gov/conservation/Forestry/Documents/IFAssistanceProgram. pdf The production and availability of high quality, native plant material is essential for reforestation and habitat restoration efforts.

This program provides landowners suitable plant materials, often at no-cost, to meet their land management objectives. Available plant materials range from tree and shrub species to prairie grasses and forbs species. Forest Protection and Health Management: Provides technical and financial assistance to rural fire departments to protect natural resources from wildfires.

Assistance is provide through direct technical support; grants for organization, training, and equipment; and placement of fire equipment obtained through the Federal Excess Property Program. The program utilizes the Smokey Bear Fire Program to promote forest fire prevention.

In addition, the program provides technical and financial assistance to protect forests against the introduction of exotic insects and diseases, and cooperates with state and federal organizations on long-term monitoring of forest health conditions. Rural Forest Landowner Assistance Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www. dnr.

illinois. gov/conservation/Forestry/Documents/IFAssistanceProgram. pdf This program provides technical assistance to NIPF landowners to manage their forests for multiple resources.

In addition, cost-share assistance is available for landowners to implement forest stewardship practices. This program has been developed to assist and encourage landowners to become good land stewards, achieve land management objectives, and maintain ecological processes.

The program produces: clean air and water, sustainable rural forests, sustainable economic development, improved forest health, restored ecological processes, and enhanced wildlife habitat and populations. Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) & Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www. dnr.

illinois. gov/AEG/Pages/OpenSpaceLandsAquisitionDevelopment-Grant. aspx The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space.

The federal Land & Water Conservation Fund program (known as both LWCF and LAWCON) is a similar program with similar objectives. Both programs provide funding assistance up to 50% of approved project costs (90% for distressed communities). $750,000 for acquisition projects & $400,000 for development/renovation projects Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants Illinois Department of Natural Resources www.

dnr. state. il.

us/lands/education/entice/forms/shagapp06. pdf Funding requests should focus on items necessary for enhancement and development of wildlife habitat. Projects must emphasize youth involvement and increase the educational value of the site.

If the project involves trail development, garden or prairie planting, prairie restoration/construction or similar activity, the applicant must commit resources for the project for at least three years. Plans that include vegetation planting should focus on increasing native biodiversity by planting native species rather than introduced species.

Habitat improvement projects may include, but not be limited to, some of the following activities: develop an interpretive trail; design, establish and maintain a schoolyard prairie plot; butterfly garden, wetland, nesting platform or watering station; design and build a bird feeder or feeding station. Schools, nature centers, and youth groups may apply. Illinois Department of Natural Resources http://dnr.

state. il. us/Grants/Special%20Funds/FY2006/WildGrant.

htm#pheasant The State Pheasant Fund Grant Program is dedicated to the conservation of wild pheasants. Eligible projects may include land acquisition, pheasant habitat improvement on public or private land, pheasant research, or education of the public regarding pheasants and pheasant hunting. Eligible recipients are limited to appropriate not-for-profit organizations.

Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www. dnr. illinois.

gov/conservation/Forestry/UrbanForestry/Pages/IDNRUrbanandCommunityForestryGrants. aspx The purpose of the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant is to provide financial assistance to local units of government for the development of local urban and community forestry programs. These activities must help to establish, manage, conserve and preserve the urban and community forests from inner city to associated public lands.

The urban grant program helps the state provide technical outreach while spurring the local economy through the use of the private sector. The program is set up as a 50/50 cost share reimbursement, with no more than 5% of the total funds available to one unit of government. Urban and Community Forestry Illinois Department of Natural Resources http://dnr.

state. il. us/conservation/forestry/programs.

htm The program provides technical and financial assistance to the State's 2,000 cities and towns. This program builds a local community's capacity to manage their natural resources. Program goals are accomplished by engaging local citizens in tree planting, care and protection activities, and the development of comprehensive natural resource management plans.

The Urban and Community Forestry Program helps achieve community sustainability and enhances the quality of life by improving and maintaining the health of trees and other related natural resources.

The Urban and Community Forestry Program: increases awareness of natural resources, improves environmental quality, creates partnerships to manage community natural resources, and implements long-term natural resource management in the State's cities and towns. Recreation & Natural Resources (Nation Wide) https://www. nationalservice.

gov/programs/americorps Americorps is a national volunteer program in which agencies, communities, or non-profit groups can sponsor personnel to assist in a variety of activities. Funds must be used to operate or plan community service programs. Programs could include trail building, environmental education and community restoration work.

Community Facilities Loans Community Programs provides grants to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population. Grants are authorized on a graduated scale. Applicants located in small communities with low populations and low incomes will receive a higher percentage of grants.

Grants are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, and special-purpose districts, as well as non-profit corporations and tribal governments. In addition, applicants must have the legal authority necessary for construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed facility and also be unable to obtain needed funds from commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms.

Community facilities loans fund the construction, enlargement, extension or otherwise improvement of community facilities. Trail benefits could include improved access through utilities extensions. www.

conservationalliance. com/ The Conservation Alliance was founded to fund grassroots conservation organizations and their efforts to protect rivers, trails, and wild lands for non-motorized recreation. Grants are made annually.