Grant funds available through the
Illinois Conservation Foundation 

[JAN. 10, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- Grant funds are available through the Illinois Conservation Foundation for not-for-profit groups, schools and local governments to assist them with habitat, environmental education or recreation projects.

"Outdoor classrooms, prairie restoration and river restorations are just a few of the many examples of projects undertaken with grant funding from the Illinois Conservation Foundation," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold, who serves as chairman of the foundation. "Many of these projects provide outdoor experiences to young people that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in and to learn from."

Individual grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded, and projects are required to provide matching funds. Up to $75,000 is available for projects this year. An application form is available on the foundation's website at www.ilcf.org. Applications for funding are due by Feb. 27.

Money raised through the annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet is used to fund the grants. Last year nearly $72,000 was provided for 49 projects. Grant applications will be reviewed by the staff and board of directors of the Illinois Conservation Foundation, with awards announced in July 2004.

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"Conservation education is a main focus of the board of directors of the foundation. Understanding and appreciation of the environment by the public -- particularly young people -- is important to its future protection," said Illinois Conservation Executive Director Jess Hansen.

The foundation has raised more than $18.5 million for natural resource programs. For more grant program information and an application, contact the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271; phone [phone]; or visit http://www.ilcf.org.

[Illinois Conservation Foundation news release]

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