Super Fund
Super Fund
2026 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 1, 2026, and project selection will occur at the September state board meeting on 9/20/26. 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 1, 2026 (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
