ComEd Green Region Grant (2026)
Building Climate Resiliency Through Local Stewardship in Northern Illinois
Organization: ComEd (in partnership with Openlands)
Support Type: Conservation and open space grants
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000
Geographic Focus: Northern Illinois counties within ComEd’s service territory
About the Funder
ComEd and Openlands launched the ComEd Green Region Grant in 2013 to help communities plan, restore, and acquire open space across Northern Illinois. Now entering its fourteenth year, the program has invested $2.5 million in nearly 300 conservation projects, benefiting more than 1.6 million people through expanded trails, restored land, and tree planting. The program reflects a shared commitment to protecting public open space while advancing climate resiliency and environmental stewardship.
What This Program Supports
The ComEd Green Region Grant funds projects that protect or improve public open space and deliver measurable community benefit. While all eligible projects are considered, special consideration in 2026 is given to projects that advance nature-based solutions to climate change and pollinator conservation.
Priority focus areas include:
Climate Resiliency (Nature-Based Solutions)
Projects that help communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from climate impacts, such as:
- Restoring wetlands, prairies, savannas, and grasslands
- Installing rain gardens, bioswales, permeable surfaces, or water-management systems
- Planting climate-resilient trees and native species
- Improving soil health through deep-rooted native plantings and carbon-sequestering practices
Pollinator Conservation
Projects that demonstrate clear benefits to pollinators, including:
- Establishing or enhancing pollinator habitat using regionally appropriate native plants
- Planting milkweed and season-long nectar sources
- Protecting overwintering habitat
- Creating educational signage about pollinators and natural systems
Eligible Activities
Funding may support:
- Open space planning and community engagement
- Habitat restoration and natural area improvements
- Passive recreation infrastructure (e.g., trails, boardwalks, observation platforms)
- Acquisition of land or conservation easements for open space use
Note: Active recreation amenities (e.g., playgrounds, sports fields), parking lots, staff time, and regulatory compliance activities are not eligible.
Eligibility & Preferences
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit organizations, schools, school districts, and housing authorities with a required letter of support from a local government entity
- Townships, counties, park districts, conservation districts, forest preserve districts, and municipalities
Applicants must be located within ComEd’s service territory in Northern Illinois and be in good standing as ComEd customers. Preference is given to projects with strong community partnerships and those that have not received recent Green Region funding.
Matching Requirement
- Grants cover up to two-thirds of eligible project costs
- Applicants must provide cash matching funds equal to at least 50% of the requested grant amount
- In-kind services cannot be used as match
Timeline & Key Dates
📅 Grant Cycle Opens: January 12, 2026 (9:00 a.m. CT)
📅 Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 (5:00 p.m. CT)
📅 Award Notification: June 2026
📅 Grant Acceptance Deadline: July 2026
Projects must be completed and fully expended within 18 months of receiving funds.
Application / Request Process
Applications are submitted online through Openlands’ application portal. Applicants should:
- Review the full Program Guidelines and FAQ
- Confirm project eligibility and service territory location
- Secure required matching funds and letters of support before applying
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://openlands.org/programs/comed-green-region-grant/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Work to protect or improve public open space in Northern Illinois
- Advance climate resiliency through nature-based solutions
- Support pollinator conservation and biodiversity
- Can demonstrate strong community impact and partnerships
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive, annual cycle
Typical Award Size: Up to $10,000
Match Required: Yes (50% cash match)
Best Suited For: Conservation nonprofits, schools, park and forest preserve districts, and local governments advancing climate-resilient open space projects
