Deadline: 23-Aug-22
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is pleased to announce an open call for the Land Acquisition Grant Program to make awards to projects that purchase land outright and is proud to support the protection of wildlife habitat at natural areas throughout the state.
The Foundation will consider projects that protect valuable natural resources in perpetuity through the purchase of conservation easements on a limited basis depending on how such projects match up.
Funding Information
Eligible applicants may apply for up to 80% of the direct cost of the land and up to $10,000 for restoration activities to be completed within the first year after purchase.
Eligible Projects
- Purchase natural habitat (as opposed to parks or other open space)
- Apply all Foundation funds towards the direct purchase of the natural habitat. Up to $10,000 may be requested to help fund restoration activities during the first year after purchase.
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Meet the minimum transactional requirements for payment:
- willing seller
- agreed upon price that is equal to or lower than the appraised value. If you are contemplating a purchase that would not meet this condition, call the Foundation to discuss before applying.
- acceptable appraisal – the appraisal’s Date of Valuation must be within 12 months of the closing date. It must be conducted by an Illinois-certified appraiser and commissioned by the applicant organization, not the seller.
Eligibility Criteria
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Local government agencies serving Illinois residents
Criteria
- Protect natural habitat
- Identified as a priority for protection by a local, regional, or statewide conservation planning process
- Connected to previously protected natural areas
- Open to the public
For more information, visit Community Foundation.
For more information, visit https://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/natural-areas-program/land-acquisition/