Chicago Community Development Grants – Small, Medium, and Large Funding Opportunities

Grant Overview

Donor: The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development

About: The City of Chicago is dedicated to fostering business and neighborhood vitality through its Small, Medium, and Large Community Development Grants (CDG). These grants, funded by the 2024 Housing and Development Bond among other sources, aim to support various business-related investments. These investments are designed to create and preserve jobs, as well as enhance the quality of life for local residents.

The CDG program welcomes applications from a broad spectrum of entities, including business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers, and entrepreneurs. The grants are categorized into three levels: Small, Medium, and Large, each with its own set of funding limits and eligibility criteria.

Small Grants: These grants provide up to $250,000 for projects such as office, retail, light industrial, and mixed-use developments. Applications for small grants will reopen in 2025.

Medium Grants: Ranging from $300,001 to $5 million, these grants support office, retail, cultural, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use projects. The application deadline for medium grants is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Large Grants: For projects requiring $5 million or more, these grants are available on a rolling basis and support a wide array of developments, including office, retail, cultural, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use projects.

Small grants (up to $250,000) offer an accessible entry point for smaller-scale improvements, covering up to 75% of eligible project costs. Medium grants ($300,001 to $5 million) support larger initiatives at up to 50% of project costs, while Large grants (exceeding $5 million) target transformative developments that significantly impact neighborhood vitality.

The CDG program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, with grants available as reimbursements for eligible project expenses. The city offers various resources to assist applicants, including information sessions, webinars, and FAQs. For those seeking additional support, Grantaura offers services such as grant research, document writing, application submission, and crowdfunding, ensuring that applicants have all the tools they need to succeed.

At Grantaura, our team of grant experts can provide comprehensive support throughout your application process, from initial eligibility assessment through document preparation and submission. With over 300 successful projects completed, our specialists understand what reviewers look for and how to position your application for the best chance of success.

Focus: Commercial (office, retail), Cultural (museums, theaters, performance venues), Industrial and manufacturing, Institutional (healthcare, education), Mixed-use residential (10+ units with 100% ground floor commercial use), Social services (workforce development, unhoused interventions, etc.)

Region: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Eligibility:

– Business owners
– Property owners
– Non-profit organizations
– Community developers — Entrepreneurs
– Commercial (office, retail)
– Cultural (museums, theaters, performance venues)
– Industrial and manufacturing
– Institutional (healthcare, education)
– Mixed-use residential (10+ units with 100% ground floor commercial use)
– Social services (workforce development, unhoused interventions, etc.)

Benefits:

– Small Grants: Up to $250,000
– Medium Grants: $300,001 to $5 million
– Large Grants: $5 million and up

Terms:

– Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF): The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) is an initiative by the City of Chicago aimed at promoting equitable neighborhood development. Established in 2016, the NOF provides resources to encourage development in West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors. Funding for the program is generated through various means, including zoning fees from downtown construction projects. The NOF offers grants of up to $250,000 for small business and cultural projects, with the grants provided as reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project expenses. The program supports permanent capital improvements and various types of projects and expenses related to business development and community revitalization. All NOF projects must be located on an eligible or priority corridor, and applicants can confirm their property’s eligibility by emailing NOF@CityofChicago.org with the full address.

– Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public financing method used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community improvement projects.