Grant Opportunity from the Central Chapter, Illinois Native Plant Society

[November 12, 2015]  To celebrate the 15th year of its grant program, the Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society is issuing a special, one time request for grant applications. Applicants can request funding from $1000 to $5000 to help support native plant-related projects in Central Illinois.

This special program is in addition to the Central Chapter’s ongoing program offering grants up to $1000. It provides an opportunity for applicants to propose projects requiring more resources or a longer time to complete. Projects will have two years for implementation.

Applications for the special grant program are due by January 15, 2016.

Eligible applicants include environmentally-focused not for profits; faculty, students, student groups, and environmental/horticulture groups affiliated with an educational institution; or individuals doing research or service projects. Twenty Central Illinois counties are potential sites for projects.

Detailed application guidelines and the application packet are available by email from the Grant Committee Chairperson, [e-mail]. The application is posted on the Illinois Native Plant Society website, www.ill-inps.org within the Central Chapter section.

Since 2002, the Central Chapter has awarded almost $35,000 in grant funds to help support Central Illinois projects. Examples of past efforts include projects to restore native plant habitats, to conduct site inventories, to control exotic and invasive species, to establish rain gardens and demonstration plantings, and to provide educational programs…all related to Illinois native plants.

Funding for all grants comes from the Central Chapter’s volunteer effort to provide an annual Native Plant Sale each spring. The 2016 sale will be held April 30 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

[Edie Sternberg, Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society]