2024 Monett Phil & Friends Grantmaking Program

The Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), aims to enhance stewardship efforts on dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves and registered Land and Water Reserves, while also building stewardship capacity within Conservation Land Trusts. This aligns with the NAAF's foundational mission to acquire, protect, and steward natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species, as mandated by the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act (525 ILCS 35/14). The program directly supports the preservation of Illinois's biodiversity and natural heritage. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are Conservation Land Trusts, specifically those exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code, with a core purpose of restoring and stewarding land for conservation. The overarching impact goal is to increase the delivery of much-needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. This addresses the current deficiency where stewardship needs far outweigh the capacity of individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. The program prioritizes projects on eligible lands, which include Illinois Nature Preserves, dedicated buffers, and Land and Water Reserves. All project sites must have a current and approved management schedule and be either owned by the applicant or have an executed agreement with the property owner. Eligible expenses encompass a range of activities vital for effective stewardship, such as direct stewardship activities, contractual services, purchase or rental of necessary equipment, staff time (excluding fringe/benefits), and indirect costs. Expected outcomes include an immediate increase in stewardship activities on protected natural areas and an expansion of the stewardship capacity of Conservation Land Trusts through grants that enable them to augment their staff and equipment. The measurable results will be evident in the enhanced ecological health of these natural areas and the strengthened operational capabilities of the conservation organizations involved. The program's theory of change posits that by directly funding these crucial stewardship actions and capacity building, it will lead to a more robust and effective system for protecting and maintaining Illinois's vital natural resources. The grant offers up to $100,000 per project, providing substantial support for these initiatives.