Super Fund

2025 Illinois State Superfund Application information

From:  The Illinois State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)

 To:  NWTF local chapters of Illinois, state and federal agency partners, and other conservation partners interested in applying for NWTF Super Fund grants

 Subject:  NWTF Super Fund Request for Proposals

 The Illinois State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is requesting proposals for Hunting Heritage Super Fund grants to fund a variety of conservation, outreach and education projects that support the NWTF mission: “Conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage.” The proposal submission deadline is August 23, 2024, and project selection will occur at the September state board meeting on 9/8/24. Applicants will be notified of their proposal status early the following week. The Illinois NWTF is a volunteer, non-governmental organization composed of hunters and conservationists that raise money for Illinois projects through local banquets and other events. Since 1985, over $4 million have been raised and spent in Illinois.

 If you are interested in submitting a Super Fund proposal it should be mailed or e-mailed (preferable) to NWTF Regional Biologist, John Burk, by August 23, 2024 (jburk@nwtf.net).

 We have a few specific requirements for proposal submission:

• Although other projects will be considered, habitat projects and equipment purchases should address Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. (STH2) goals and/or address actions identified in the White Oak Initiative (WOI) assessment and action plan. Although we have completed our STH2 initiative the habitat goals and annual objectives for achievement outlined in that plan are still a good guide for the type of mission delivery work that we are trying to accomplish and parallel actions required under the WOI. A copy of the STH2 plan for Illinois as well as the WOI can be found at the following links: https://www.ilnwtf.org/  and https://www.whiteoakinitiative.org/assessment-conservation-plan respectively,

• or in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP, https://idnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=55aad2a7f64d475a93020eb531468f8c ). Specifically within the IWAP, we are seeking projects that implement the Forests and Open Woodlands Campaign.

• With over 50 local NWTF chapters in Illinois, there is a good chance one is located within or near your project area. Local chapter knowledge/endorsement of your project is essential and will be considered as evaluation criteria by the Super Fund Committee. NWTF staff can provide local chapter contact information. If your project is of a regional or statewide nature, please contact NWTF staff to determine how to proceed with local contacts at http://www.nwtf.org/events .

• All equipment requests (seed drills, prescribed burning equipment, etc.) costing greater than $1,000, require a 50% funding (cash) match to be considered. If you intend to apply for match, but have not yet secured it, you may receive Super Fund approval pending the match requirement.

• Other than equipment requests, matching dollars are not specifically required. However, cash match and number of partners is strongly considered by the Super Fund Committee when ranking projects. It is our goal to use the funds raised by our volunteers in the most efficient manner possible, and well-matched projects is one way to ensure this happens. In-kind match may also be listed for consideration.

• Habitat and/or land acquisition projects must display signage denoting NWTF’s involvement. The type and number of signs is negotiable. When feasible, equipment should display NWTF decals.

• Grantees may be asked to provide project updates to local chapters or participate in efforts to publicize NWTF’s work, such as press releases, interviews, etc.

• All funding requests must be for an exact amount, and submitted bills may only be for approved funds. Copies of bills and/or receipts must be submitted to the NWTF District Biologist in order to process payments. Payment processing is generally prompt, but may take up to 3-4 weeks in some cases.

• Approved projects must be implemented within 1 year of approval notification. Unused dollars will be re-appropriated to other projects in the next funding cycle, following project expiration. Exceptions may be made due to extenuating circumstances.

• We encourage you to contact the NWTF District Biologist, State Chapter President, or Technical Representative with questions, concerns, or clarifications prior to submitting proposals. Contact information is listed below.

 Please use the attached application form and submit it to John Burk at jburk@nwtft.net by 8/23/24.

 Thank you for considering the NWTF Super Fund program to support your conservation efforts in Illinois. We hope to see you at an NWTF banquet where our Super Fund dollars are generated! If you would like to help us raise funds by serving on a local chapter committee, please let us know.

 Contact Information:     Steve McNeil

 NWTF Illinois State Chapter President

217-416-1821

Trkyhnt65@gmail.com

John Burk

NWTF District Biologist

7152 Tomahawk Lane

Steedman, MO 65077
573-676-5994

jburk@nwtf.net

Luke Garver

IDNR Technical Committee Representative

217-836-0547

Luke.garver@illinois.gov

Illinois NWTF Board of Director
2023 Super Fund Project Approvals

The Illinois State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently met in Springfield to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2023 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the Illinois Board of Directors. The Board of Directors budgeted $79,667 for conservation projects and $81,545 for Hunting Heritage-related projects including outreach-education events, chapter scholarships, Shooting Sports support, and mentored hunts.

 Conservation Funding = $79,667

Projects awarded funding for 2023 occur in the Shawnee Hills and Illinois/Kaskaskia Focal Landscapes. Specific project awards include:
 ·         $20,000 unrestricted gift to Conservation Program for use in Illinois. 
·         $10,000 to conduct phase III open woodland restoration at Siloam Springs State Park.
Partners: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
·         $10,000 to support the Southern Illinois and Great Rivers Prescribed Burn Association
that will collectively conduct over 1,500 acres of prescribed burning on
private land in 17 southern Illinois Counties.
Partners: SIPBA and GRPBA.
· $8,000 to support the Illinois Seed Subsidy Program offered at a 50% cost share to
Illinois NWTF members to enhance up to 400 acres.
Partners: IL NWTF members.
· $10,000 to complete 167 acres of nonnative invasive species control in Jim Edgar
Creek WMA.
Partners: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
· $10,000 to complete 25 acres of glade restoration at Pere Marquette State Forest
Partners: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
· $5,000 to complete 16 acres of honeysuckle control on the Land Conservancy
of McHenry County property.
Partners: The Land Conservancy of McHenry County.
· $6,667 to assist with the purchase of a UTV that will be used primarily for burning
(1,000 acres annually) on the national wildlife refuge system in Illinois.
Partners: Missouri State Chapter, Iowa State Chapter, USFWS.