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Chi-Cal Rivers Fund

Chi-Cal Rivers Fund

Grant Information

  • Type:

    Grant

  • Eligible Applicants:

    Local Governments, Tribal Governments, Non-Profits (501c3)

  • Project Drivers:

    Conservation & Restoration

  • Additional Goals:

    Water Quality Improvements

  • States:

    Illinois

  • Status:

    Accepting Applications

Max. Grant Award: $100,00 – $300,000

 

Project Type: Planning; Construction

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund aims to restore the health, vitality and accessibility of the waterways in the Chicago and Calumet region by supporting nature-based solutions, habitat enhancement, and public-use improvements and stewardship.

Go to Grant Website

  • Grant Priorities

    Grant priorities include:

    Project Areas: Increase stormwater storage capacity through nature-based solutions, Enhance fish and wildlife habitat, Increase stewardship activities, access to nature, and public engagement with natural areas.

    Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

  • Eligibility Requirements

    Projects must occur in close proximity to or otherwise demonstrate direct benefits to the major waterways of the system and their tributaries (depicted in the map below). Some of the available grant funding must be directed to projects in Northwest Indiana. https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2019-12/chi-cal-applicant-faq.pdf

    Click on the next section to learn more about the matching requirements for this funding opportunity.

  • Matching Requirements

    There is no formal match requirement for this program, projects that meet or exceed a 1:1

    match ratio are more competitive in the review process. 

    Click on the next section to learn more about the eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

  • Eligible Costs

     

    Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

  • Project Timeline

    Grant duration is typically two years. 

    Click on the next section for this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

  • Application Deadline

    Applications are due August 5, 2026

    Click on the next section to access the Contact Information for this funding opportunity.

  • Contact Information

    For questions or inquiries:

    Aislinn Gauchay, Program Director, Great Lakes

    612-564-7284

    [email protected]

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