Funding & Grant Resources
Finding funding for watershed projects
FREP has long been a resource for information and assistance for funding projects in the Fox River Watershed. FREP got its start through IDNR's former C2000 Program, and worked for many years with members to obtain EPA319 Grants. While many funding sources have dried up over the past several years, FREP will continue to gather information about funding opporunties and post them on this page, as well as share in the monthly Downstream.
Grant Opportunities - Sept. 2025
Holly Hudson, our subwatershed coordinator from CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) and FREP Executive Committee member has the following grant opportunities to share:
Illinois EPA – Water Quality Management Planning Grants The Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Grant Program is accepting applications until October 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (CST). Grant funds can be used to determine the nature, extent, and causes of point and nonpoint source water pollution; develop water quality management plans; develop technical and administrative guidance tools for water pollution control; develop preliminary designs for best management practices (BMPs) to address water quality problems; implement administrative water pollution controls; and educate the public about the impact and importance of water pollution control. Applicants must be eligible for 604(b) funds and be Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) pre-qualified. More information and link to the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Illinois EPA – Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) application period is open. Applications are due by November 5, 2025, before 1:00 p.m. (CST). The GIGO program funds projects to construct green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that prevent, eliminate, or reduce stormwater runoff into Illinois' rivers, streams, and lakes. Applicants must be Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) pre-qualified. This is the last cycle of the existing GIGO program.
More information and link to the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Illinois EPA – Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) application period is open. Applications are due by November 5, 2025, before 1:00 p.m. (CST). The GIGO program funds projects to construct green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that prevent, eliminate, or reduce stormwater runoff into Illinois' rivers, streams, and lakes. Applicants must be Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) pre-qualified. This is the last cycle of the existing GIGO program.
More information and link to the Notice of Funding Opportunity