Nonpoint Source Grants

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency administers the Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Financial Assistance Program using federal funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. The program is designed to address nonpoint source pollution, which is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving across land surfaces and transporting pollutants into waterways. This type of pollution accounts for a significant portion of water quality impairments nationwide, and the program aims to reduce its impact on Illinois surface and groundwater resources through targeted project funding. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments associated with nonpoint source pollution. Priority is given to projects that align with Illinois EPA-approved watershed-based plans or Total Maximum Daily Load implementation plans. Eligible project activities include implementation of best management practices, environmental monitoring, technical assistance, outreach programs, and planning efforts. While projects outside of approved plans may still be eligible, they are considered lower priority during evaluation. Funding is provided through a reimbursement structure, requiring grantees to initially cover project costs and then submit documentation for reimbursement. The program can fund up to 60 percent of total project costs, with the remaining 40 percent required as non-federal match. Match contributions may include cash or in-kind services and can be provided by the applicant or project partners. However, federal funds cannot be used to satisfy the matching requirement. There is no fixed minimum or maximum award amount, though total available funding is expected to be up to 4 million dollars across different project categories. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as individuals, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and conservation groups. Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity to front project costs and comply with reimbursement procedures. They must also meet prequalification requirements through the Illinois GATA portal, including federal registration and compliance checks, and must have the authority and capability to carry out the proposed project. Applications must be submitted within the defined submission window and include all required components, such as project descriptions and, if applicable, a draft Quality Assurance Project Plan for monitoring activities. Incomplete applications are not considered. Evaluation is competitive and based on alignment with program priorities, technical merit, and readiness for implementation. The agency may partially fund projects or prioritize components based on available funding and scoring thresholds. The application period opens on June 6, 2025 and closes on July 23, 2025. Applicants may submit multiple proposals. Selected applicants will enter into a formal grant agreement and must comply with federal and state administrative requirements, including reporting obligations and regulatory compliance. Projects require quarterly progress reporting and a final report documenting outcomes and effectiveness. The Illinois EPA retains the right to use all materials produced under the grant.