Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Education, a state agency responsible for promoting conservation education and stewardship across Illinois. The program is supported through philanthropic contributions, including funding from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation and other donors, which enables the state to provide financial assistance to educational and youth-focused organizations. This grant is designed to connect students directly with environmental learning by supporting habitat-based projects that enhance both educational outcomes and local biodiversity. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that increase the ecological and educational value of schoolyards or other public spaces while actively involving students in the planning, implementation, and long-term maintenance of those projects. Eligible projects must emphasize youth engagement and hands-on learning while contributing to the development or enhancement of wildlife habitats. Applicants are required to commit to maintaining the project for a minimum of five years, ensuring that funded initiatives provide lasting environmental and educational benefits. Projects must take place on school grounds or publicly accessible land such as parks or nature centers, and access to these sites must remain free of charge. The program offers three application options tailored to different project types. Option One focuses exclusively on establishing pollinator gardens using a prescribed list of native plant species and limited materials. Option Two supports a broader range of habitat development activities, including prairie plots, butterfly gardens, wetlands, arboretums, bird feeding stations, and bat roosting boxes. Option Three is designed for schools, particularly in urban areas such as Chicago and East St. Louis, that lack soil access and must implement container-based native plant gardens. Each option has specific requirements and allowable costs, and Option Three includes additional reporting obligations due to its participation in a scientific study. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with a maximum annual award of 2000 dollars per project. Only expenses approved in the original application and incurred after award notification are eligible for reimbursement. Funds may be used for items such as native plants, soil, mulch, and basic gardening tools, with tool costs capped at 25 percent of the total project budget. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including labor, equipment, consultant fees, chemicals, signage, and land acquisition. Organizations must submit original paid receipts to receive reimbursement, and payments are made directly to the school or organization rather than individuals. Eligibility is limited to teachers, nature center personnel, and adult leaders of youth groups serving prekindergarten through grade 12 students within Illinois. Individual student projects are not eligible for funding. Applicants must ensure strong student involvement and demonstrate a clear plan for project management and long-term sustainability. Applications are evaluated based on the level of detail provided, the extent of student participation, the educational value of the project, and the quality of the habitat management plan. The application process requires applicants to complete an online form, beginning with entering personal contact information and ending with submission to a designated signing official such as a principal or superintendent. A mandatory instructional video must be viewed prior to submission, and failure to follow guidance from the video may result in disqualification. Applicants can save and return to their application prior to final submission, after which no edits are allowed. A confirmation email and PDF copy of the application are provided upon submission. The application deadline for the current cycle is December 2, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. Applicants who receive funding must either use the funds or formally notify the agency of forfeiture by November 30 of the award year to remain eligible for future cycles. Successful applicants must also complete a final report and acknowledge funding sources in any public materials. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Education via phone or email, ensuring applicants have access to support throughout the process.

Ensure all instructions from the mandatory video are followed exactly to avoid disqualification; emphasize detailed planning and student involvement