Coastal Competitive Grants Program

The Coastal Competitive Grants Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through its Coastal Management Program. This program operates under a cooperative agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management, reflecting a partnership between state and federal entities to support environmental stewardship along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. The program is designed to align with broader coastal management goals that emphasize conservation, resilience, and sustainable community development in coastal regions. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that protect, preserve, and restore natural and cultural resources within the Illinois coastal region. The program prioritizes initiatives in coastal habitat restoration, public outreach and education, and community development. Additional focus areas include coastal habitats and species, public access and recreation, community resilience, and economic or infrastructure-related development that supports coastal sustainability. These priorities guide the evaluation of proposals and ensure that funded projects contribute directly to the long-term health and accessibility of coastal ecosystems and communities. Funding for the program varies annually depending on federal allocations, with total funding ranging between 550000 and 1075000 per funding year. Individual awards range from 50000 to 250000, and projects are expected to be completed within a 12 to 24 month performance period. A minimum 50 percent cost share is required, and the match must directly relate to work conducted within the coastal region. However, reduced match requirements may be available for economically challenged communities, indicating some flexibility in equitable access to funding. Eligible applicants include units of local government, universities, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Projects must align geographically with the Illinois coastal region, particularly for on-the-ground habitat or construction-related work, which must occur entirely within the designated Illinois Coastal Zone. However, certain project types such as outreach, education, planning, or workforce development may occur outside the zone if they clearly address Illinois coastal issues. Applicants are expected to verify eligibility through coastal zone boundary maps provided by the program. Applications must be submitted through the Euna Grant Management System, which is used by the State of Illinois for application submission, reporting, and grant management. Applicants are required to be pre-qualified through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act portal before applying. The program provides technical support resources through Euna, although direct troubleshooting support from state staff is limited. A virtual informational webinar is scheduled to support applicants, providing an opportunity to clarify requirements and expectations prior to submission. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is May 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. Central Time. The program is offered on an annual basis, with new funding cycles dependent on federal appropriations. Applicants are encouraged to review detailed funding guidelines and past awarded projects to better understand expectations and competitiveness. For further assistance, applicants may contact the program director directly via email or phone, ensuring access to clarification throughout the application process.

Submit early to avoid technical issues; incomplete applications are automatically disqualified; letters of commitment strengthen applications; sign installation costs are best used as match.