Downstate Illinois Conservation Program

Since the late 1990s when the family developed its first plan to focus on environmental protection and preservation, The Downstate Conservation Program has been central to The Foundations identity. Over the last decade, it has evolved to address the unique needs of Downstate Illinois, with a particular focus on water quality and raising the environmental awareness of Downstate residents so they can better advocate for positive change. The Foundation has made a long-term commitment to conservation in Downstate Illinois and hopes that its efforts will produce a lasting impact. The Downstate Illinois Conservation Program is comprised of:

Grant-Making to support projects to educate citizens about land and resource use, promote grassroots advocacy and support environmental policy development. Click here for more information on grant-making.

Applied Research to establish and refine priorities, benchmarks and strategies. Click here to view recent research The Foundation has initiated or been involved in.

Peer Networking & Collaboration Opportunities to provide staff and board members the chance to come together with others on topics of mutual interest. Click here for more information on peer networking & collaboration.

The Nonprofit Excellence Program offer environmental organizations with annual budgets under $1 million the opportunity to participate in training programs, apply for capacity building grants to strengthen their organization and apply for micro-grants to invest in staff development. Click here for more information on the Nonprofit Excellence Program.

Downstate Illinois Conservation Program Eligibility

To be eligible under this program, an organization must either be located in Downstate Illinois or its programs must have a positive impact on the environment of Downstate Illinois. Please direct inquiries on the Downstate Conservation Program to:

Mary Weber
(217) 235-3361
mary.weber@consolidated.com