Grant to Support Project-Based Initiatives for Community in Illinois (USA)
GrantID: 75054
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $2,000,000
Summary
A regional philanthropic fund is offering several multi-year grant opportunities focused on community wealth, arts & culture, and neighborhood development within Cook County, Illinois, particularly on the South and West sides. These grants are intended to support projects that catalyze real estate development, public space activation, arts integration, and planning or pre-development efforts in underinvested neighborhoods. The intention is that grantees help improve economic prospects, build or preserve community infrastructure, foster cultural vibrancy, and enable residents to thrive — including by generating jobs, boosting services and amenities, and expanding access to opportunity.
Eligibility is primarily nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) agencies and those with fiscal sponsors), though smaller organizations with less capacity are also considered under certain funding lines. These opportunities are not aimed at individual or purely for-profit applicants. The grants are available in the Chicago region, specifically Cook County, with emphasis on historically under-funded communities on the South and West sides of the county.
One of the grant streams has a total funding pool of about $3.9 million, from which roughly 15-20 projects will be awarded grants over a two-year project term. Another stream, a capital grant fund, aims to support brick-and-mortar projects to complete their financing, especially late-stage real estate developments, in neighborhoods that have been underserved. Sometimes grants also include technical assistance or peer learning as part of the award.
These grants are designed to help applicants who already have some planning in place or who are ready to move into construction phases or real public-space implementation. The use of funds is expected to be for building, construction, infrastructure, site development, arts & culture programming tied to public space, and community engagement. The foundation seeks outcomes related to economic growth, public benefit, quality of life improvements, and equity of investment across neighborhoods.
Eligible applicants in Illinois with a demonstrated commitment to Community Development & Services are encouraged to consider this funding opportunity. To identify additional grants aligned with your needs, visit The Grant Portal and utilize the Search Grant tool for tailored results.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
