The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Land Acquisition grant program to purchase land outright and to support the protection of wildlife habitat at natural areas throughout the state. To date, Foundation grants have assisted with land acquisition at Project Sites in 51 different counties in Illinois.
The Foundation will consider projects that protect valuable natural resources in perpetuity through the purchase of conservation easements on a limited basis depending on how such projects match up.
Funding Information
- Eligible applicants may apply for up to 80% of the direct cost of the land and up to $10,000 for restoration activities to be completed within the first year after purchase.
- Applicants may be awarded a grant at a lower amount than requested
Projects
- Purchase natural habitat (as opposed to parks or other open space)
- Apply all Foundation funds towards the direct purchase of the natural habitat. Up to $10,000 may be requested to help fund restoration activities during the first year after purchase.
- Meet the minimum transactional requirements for payment:
- willing seller
- agreed upon price that is equal to or lower than the appraised value. If you are contemplating a purchase that would not meet this condition, call the Foundation to discuss before applying.
- acceptable appraisal - the appraisal’s Date of Valuation must be within 12 months of the closing date. It must be conducted by an Illinois-certified appraiser and commissioned by the applicant organization, not the seller.
Application Criteria
- Protect natural habitat
- Identified as a priority for protection by a local, regional, or statewide conservation planning process
- Connected to previously protected natural areas
- Open to the public
Eligibility Criteria
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Local government agencies serving Illinois residents
- All applicants (nonprofits and local government agencies) are required to provide a Federal Employer Tax ID/Employer Tax ID Number (FEIN/EIN).
For more information, visit Land Acquisition.
