Support Our Conservation Initiatives

By donating to the Illinois Conservation Foundation, you play a vital role in protecting and enhancing Illinois’ natural resources while inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Your generosity funds critical conservation efforts, restores wildlife habitats, and educates future leaders on the importance of preserving and conserving the great outdoors.

Together, we can make a lasting impact — get involved today!

Donate Today

About ICF

Our Mission

The Illinois Conservation Foundation preserves and enhances Illinois’ natural and cultural heritage by supporting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through financial resources from donors and our conservation partners.

 

Our History

The history of Illinois is deeply rooted in our prosperous land that today includes state parks, natural forests and other precious land resources.

Since 1995, the Illinois Conservation Foundation has partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to raise financial resources dedicated to protecting and enhancing these natural wonders of Illinois.

Together with donors and partners, we provide conservation education and outdoor heritage opportunities for Illinois citizens of all ages to help instill a life-long interest in conservation, outdoor recreation and sustainability.
 

Through our ecological and recreational programs, we seek to inspire the next generation of leaders to appreciate, steward and protect our irreplaceable natural land so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. All funds are held in private accounts. The ICF is not subject to the Public Funds Investment Act (20 ILCS 880/20) which places limitations on the types of investments in which a public agency may invest funds.

Illinois Conservation Foundation Programs

Becoming an Outdoorswoman (BOW) Becoming an Outdoorswoman (BOW)

Becoming an Outdoorswoman (BOW)

BOW provides introductory experiences and instruction in various outdoor activities geared toward women.

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Biodiversity Field Trip Grants Biodiversity Field Trip Grants

Biodiversity Field Trip Grants

Teachers can apply for funding to take students on a field trip to study some aspect of Illinois’ biodiversity. Application deadline is January 31, 2020. Read more information and download an application here.
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Disabled Outdoors Opportunities Disabled Outdoors Opportunities

Disabled Outdoors Opportunities

This program aims to provide greater access and programming for individuals with disabilities.

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Historic Sites Field Trip Grants Historic Sites Field Trip Grants

Historic Sites Field Trip Grants

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Historic Sites Field Trip Grant program will pay for bus transportation and substitute teachers to support school field trips to IDNR historic sites,...
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Illinois State Parks Illinois State Parks

Illinois State Parks

The Illinois Conservation Foundation provides dedicated financial resources to the maintenance and improvement of our beautiful Illinois State Parks.

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National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) National Archery in Schools Program (NASP)

National Archery in Schools Program (NASP)

The Illinois Conservation Foundation works with physical education departments in both public and private school systems to implement NASP – a nationally acclaimed, curriculum-based archery program. NASP is...
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Safety Education Safety Education

Safety Education

Free classes taught by state-certified volunteer instructors are held throughout the year on boating, hunting, trapping and snowmobiling. The programs are designed for youth ages 12-18, but all ages are encouraged to...
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Schoolyard Habitat Grants Schoolyard Habitat Grants

Schoolyard Habitat Grants

Schools can apply for grants to purchase the tools and materials needed to develop a schoolyard wildlife habitat so students can be actively involved in the planning, development and maintenance of the project.
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Sponsored Youth Hunts Sponsored Youth Hunts

Sponsored Youth Hunts

A variety of youth hunts are held seasonally around the state in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

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Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center

Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center

The Torstenson Youth Conservation Education Center gives Illinois youth the chance to unplug and learn the values of nature through exploration, self-discovery and development of new skills.
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Training for Teachers Training for Teachers

Training for Teachers

The Illinois Conservation Foundation offers natural resources training for teachers to give them the tools and inspiration to pursue conservation education for their students.

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Wingshooting Wingshooting

Wingshooting

Wingshooting clinics are held around the state every year, from spring through early fall. We offer clinics for youth and adult beginners who are interested in learning to shoot, as well as “hunter level”...
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