The Snowmobile Trail Establishment Fund (STEF) Grant Program is an annual initiative offered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This program supports private, not-for-profit snowmobile clubs and organizations to develop, rehabilitate, and maintain snowmobile trails and facilities on public lands, designated roadways, or private lands accessible to the public. Funded through snowmobile registration fees, fines, and bond forfeitures, the program reimburses up to 100% of eligible project costs. Approximately $120,000 is available for fiscal year 2025, with no maximum funding limit per application, although awards are subject to available funds.

Eligible projects under this program include trail clearing, signs, fencing, portable bridges, parking facilities, warming shelters, restrooms, trail grooming equipment, and mandatory liability insurance assistance. Funds can also cover annual trail maintenance, including fuel, fluids, vehicle insurance, and minor repairs, with pre-approval required for major repairs. However, the program does not fund land acquisition, projects outside Illinois, or those inaccessible to the general public.

Applicants must be Illinois-based private snowmobile clubs or organizations with not-for-profit status and liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Applications must be submitted electronically through the AmpliFund system by 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2025, and include a completed application form, detailed project description, cost estimates, property documentation, proof of liability insurance, and an application fee ranging from $100 to $300. Public hearings are required for most projects to solicit community input, and organizations must demonstrate financial capability to fund the project upfront.

Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as the project's scope, environmental impact, public accessibility, and alignment with existing snowmobile facilities. Preference is given to projects proposing long-distance or integrated trails, especially in areas with high snowmobile registrations or counties lacking existing facilities. Selected projects must adhere to strict guidelines, including the prohibition of user fees and the installation of IDNR acknowledgment signs. Grantees are expected to maintain funded facilities for specified periods depending on the nature of the development.

The STEF program operates as a reimbursement model, requiring grantees to fund the project initially and submit eligible costs for reimbursement after project completion. Reimbursement requests must include detailed billing documents, proof of payment, and finalized project maps. Projects should be completed within 24 months of agreement execution, with IDNR conducting site inspections before final approval. The program emphasizes transparency and accountability, requiring quarterly progress reports and adherence to all state and federal regulations regarding environmental and property considerations.