IDNR Canadian waterfowl habitat restoration and preservation grant now open

For Immediate Release – December 18, 2025

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting grant applications for habitat restoration and preservation in Canadian breeding grounds now through Jan. 4, 2026.

Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp funds, generated when hunters purchase Illinois duck stamps, are used to conserve critical wetland and grassland breeding habitat on the Canadian prairies. This is the primary breeding ground of waterfowl that migrate to Illinois and throughout the 14 states of the Mississippi Flyway.

Illinois law specifies the use and distribution of these funds to areas outside of Illinois that provide waterfowl to the Mississippi Flyway and for implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Eligible recipients are limited to not-for-profit organizations with a stated purpose to support, develop, conserve or promote wild waterfowl in the designated Canadian waterfowl breeding grounds.

Eligible projects are limited to the development of waterfowl propagation areas within the Dominion of Canada that implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and specifically provide waterfowl for the Mississippi Flyway. Typical projects preserve, protect, acquire, restore, manage and maintain breeding habitat for migratory waterfowl in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Funding for projects within the United States are excluded.

All applicants must be pre-registered in the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal. Prior to applying, email susan.duke@illinois.gov to determine eligibility.

Apply and browse other State of Illinois grant opportunities online.