Best Wildlife Grants in Illinois

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding to strengthen local communities. With a mission to create equitable economic opportunity, US Bancorp Foundation provides sustainable, high-impact support, prioritizing organizations led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to human services can apply for Creag Foundation’s invitation-only funding; awards support new solutions to social problems. Illinois wildlife and conservation groups that qualify as human or social service innovators may be eligible if their work addresses societal issues in novel ways.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or community services, including those in Illinois, can use this funding for food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programming, or healthy lifestyle initiatives. Grants from Labcorp Charitable Foundation help U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or their equivalents support underserved populations and strengthen local communities.

Organizations in Illinois working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which supports projects in the U.S., India, and South Africa. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and related organizations seeking more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Illinois can seek funding to tell impactful stories about their work through this storytelling grant, which awards more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports organizations within its preservation, education, and wellness pillars, and this opportunity may help wildlife-focused groups document and share their conservation impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental or community-focused projects in Illinois can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to respect all life, the environment, and people, the foundation provides grants that may benefit wildlife and habitat conservation efforts alongside broader community services and peacebuilding work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Illinois. Grants from Georgia-Pacific Foundation help Illinois communities served by GP strengthen long-term well-being and sustainability within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Illinois and across the U.S. can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and related community programs. With a mission to help where modest funding has big impact, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides grants for conservation, education, and community-based initiatives that include wildlife-focused work.

Focused on animal welfare, the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust invites Illinois 501(c)(3) animal shelters, rescues, and humane organizations in eligible counties to apply for project funding. Support may cover adoption and fostering programs, humane and wildlife education, medical and rehabilitation care, spay/neuter initiatives, equipment, and other companion animal and native wildlife care projects.

Illinois wildlife and animal welfare nonprofits, humane societies, spay/neuter clinics, and educational institutions can access funding through the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust for projects improving the lives of companion animals and native wildlife. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Ohio and selected counties in Illinois and other Great Lakes states must submit an online LOI before applying.

Nonprofit organizations that support, develop, conserve, or promote wild waterfowl can seek up to US $500,000 for habitat projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan that benefit the Mississippi Flyway. With a mission to enhance waterfowl populations, Canada Department of Natural Resources funds breeding habitat preservation and restoration that ultimately supports migratory birds important to Illinois wildlife conservation.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, adult self-sufficiency, or community vitality can apply for grants from Ameriprise Financial, including organizations in Illinois. Funding supports hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, community development, and cultural enrichment, with priority for programs engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers and locations near key Ameriprise employee centers.

Illinois private landowners with at least five contiguous acres of unimproved woodland, prairie, wetlands, or other undeveloped land can receive property tax reductions for wildlife habitat management through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Illinois wildlife habitat stewards can access support via USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois to restore native species, control invasives, and enhance priority wildlife habitat.

Illinois conservation and environmental groups in Illinois can access funding through Illinois American Water for community-based projects that protect or improve local watersheds and drinking water sources. Eligible projects in Illinois American Water service areas include habitat restoration, biodiversity and wildlife-supporting efforts, cleanups, reforestation, and groundwater protection, with awards up to US $5,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health and social services, or disaster relief can apply for O'Reilly Automotive Foundation support, including Illinois communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates. Funding is available for project, general operating, or capital support for organizations benefiting underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can access funding for safety, environmental sustainability, community vitality, and workforce development projects through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Conservation and environmental groups working in Union Pacific–served communities may be eligible if their programs fit these priority areas.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Illinois wildlife and conservation nonprofits can access funding through Gupta Family Foundation to help disadvantaged people become more self-reliant. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, and certain foreign entities, working in human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief may apply for US $5,000 - US $250,000 in annual or multi-year support.

Illinois wildlife and conservation nonprofits and government entities can seek $10,000 - $100,000 for wild pheasant habitat projects that preserve, protect, acquire, manage, or maintain high-quality habitat. Illinois Department of Natural Resources funding favors projects aligned with the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan that improve habitat quality and connectivity and provide public access in Illinois.

The IDNR State Pheasant Funding aims to enhance pheasant wildlife habitat in Illinois. Grantees must register with the State of Illinois and complete a prequalification process. This competitive grant encourages organized groups of volunteers from non-profits and governmental entities to develop and submit projects for funding. The initiative focuses on managing and conserving Illinois' natural resources while promoting public understanding and appreciation of these vital habitats.

Not-for-profit organizations and government entities in Illinois can seek funding to preserve and maintain high-quality wildlife habitat lands. With a mission to protect natural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides competitive grants of US $10,000 - US $300,000 for habitat restoration and conservation projects that align with the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan and offer public access.

The CZS CBOT Endangered Species Fund Grant supports conservation projects for threatened species and habitats, providing funding between $1,500 and $7,000. Established in 1988, it prioritizes local scientists and sustainable practices. The fund has awarded over $2.4 million to more than 550 projects worldwide. Proposals must demonstrate critical need and measurable outcomes, and can only be submitted once per funding cycle by groups or individual researchers. Note: international travel is not covered.