The Nature-Based Climate Action Program supports projects in East Central Illinois that use natural systems to address climate change, the threats of extreme weather, and habitat loss that contributes to the extinction of vital species.
Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation
State: Illinois
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/31/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Natural systems solutions – which include the preservation or restoration of critical ecosystems such as forests, prairies and wetlands – have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration by as much as 20 percent of US greenhouse gasses.
This grantmaking program is intended to support such direct actions. They seek measurable environmental impact in the form of carbon drawdown and habitat restoration: demonstration and promotion of tree planting, prairie restorations, waterway rehabilitation, and other nature-based solutions to climate mitigation in rural areas. They welcome applications that increase community engagement and support for action to combat climate change, promote policy change, contribute to climate science, or model action for other organizations and communities.
Focus Areas
Successful proposals may include the following actions:
- Purchases of targeted land tracts for restoration or preservation of high plant diversity that may greatly increase carbon capture;
- Large-scale carbon farming demonstrations using trees, prairie or wetlands that monitor drawdown and contribute to climate science;
- Projects that activate communities, stimulate media coverage, and encourage greater understanding of climate change by the public;
- Tree planting projects in small cities and towns;
- Large-scale demonstrations of regenerative agriculture directed at advancing policy or supporting market-based change like the creation of a viable carbon market.
Funding Information
While they do not set limitations on the grant requests, the average size of a Nature-Based Climate Action grant award is $25,000. Funding levels can range between $2,500 – $50,000.
Geographical Areas
They encourage applicants from organizations working in East Central Illinois. They give preference to rural organizations, small cities and towns and they are especially interested in programs or projects that support collaboration or connect communities.
Eligibility Criteria
- 501 (c)(3) organization
- Located in East Central Illinois or the Chicago Area
- Requesting support in the core focus areas
For more information, visit The Lumpkin Family Foundation.
