Illinois State Parks
Endowment Fund

Protecting the Places We Love - Forever

Your gift to the Illinois State Parks Endowment ensures long-term funding for conservation, access, education, and park improvements across the state.


Donate Now

About the Endowment

What It Is

Your gift to the Illinois State Parks Endowment provides permanent funding to care for, improve, and protect our public lands across the state. Managed by the Illinois Conservation Foundation, this fund ensures our parks remain free, accessible, and thriving for generations to come.

Why It Matters

Illinois’ state parks are more than just places on a map. They’re the backdrop to our most cherished memories. First camping trips. Quiet hikes. Family reunions. Moments in nature that restore us. For generations, these public lands have been freely accessible to everyone, regardless of income or background.

And the reality is: they need our help.

  • Infrastructure and facility upgrades
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Habitat restoration and climate resilience
  • Educational programs and public outreach

Your support helps keep the promise of public lands alive in Illinois: that these wild, beautiful places will always belong to all of us.

Give now. Protect forever.


Ways to Give

Online

Secure donation portal available for one-time or recurring gifts.

https://ilconservation.givecloud.co/ilstateparks

By Mail

Illinois Conservation Foundation
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702

Planned Giving

Include the Foundation in your will or estate plans. Bequests, IRAs, life insurance, and charitable trusts are welcome.

Stock, Property, or Other Assets

ICF accepts a variety of gift types in accordance with our Gift Acceptance Policy. Contact us for assistance.

Corporate Partnerships

Tailored sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and foundations.

  • All gifts are tax-deductible
  • Funds are permanently restricted
  • No minimum gift amount

Help ensure Illinois State Parks remain free, accessible, and thriving for the next 100 years. Make a Gift Today!

Quick Q&A Guide

Q: What is the Illinois State Parks Endowment?

A permanent, donor-restricted fund managed by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) to provide long-term, independent funding for Illinois state parks.

Q: Who manages it?

The Illinois Conservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the official charitable partner of IDNR.

Q: What does it fund?

Critical infrastructure, accessibility projects, habitat restoration, education, public programming, and climate resiliency across Illinois state parks.

Q: Can the state take or redirect this money?

No. All contributions to the fund will be permanently restricted. They cannot be swept or redirected.

Q: Who decides what projects get funded?

The Foundation works closely with IDNR to prioritize projects that align with both public need and donor impact. Funding decisions are reviewed by ICF’s Board and finance committee and must follow the intent outlined in our gift agreements and endowment policies.

Q: Are there audits or public reporting?

Yes. ICF undergoes annual audits and follows strict investment and reporting policies. Financials are available to the public.

Q: How can I donate?

Visit ilconservation.org/stateparks. We accept online gifts, checks, stock donations, donor-advised fund grants, and planned gifts.

Q: What is the Founders Circle?

It recognizes individuals, families, and organizations making major gifts during the endowment's inaugural year. These donors are helping build the foundation of the fund.

Q: Can I give in honor or memory of someone?

Yes. Tribute gifts are welcome and can be designated accordingly.

Q: Why is this needed? Doesn’t the state fund parks?

Public funding is absolutely essential, and we’re proud that Illinois continues to invest in our parks. But budgets fluctuate. The endowment adds long-term stability, ensuring that even in lean years, access and stewardship aren’t at risk. It’s a both/and solution.

Q: Don’t other states charge admission fees or rely on other sources of revenue?

Yes. Many states charge entrance fees or rely heavily on concessions and other private revenue sources to fund their parks. Illinois parks remain free to enter. This endowment helps preserve that access while strengthening long-term investment in infrastructure, equity, and conservation.

Q: How will this help parks across the state?

The endowment is designed to serve all Illinois state parks. As it grows, it will expand equitable access, improve infrastructure, and protect diverse landscapes across the state.