The City of Chicago has developed the Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP) as part of its attempt to leverage once-in-a-generation federal funding and develop an equity-based investment strategy to hasten a long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. $237 million from the CRP must be distributed by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in order to aid Chicago's equitable economic recovery. Community Development, Small Business and Workforce Support, and Community Climate Investments are the three main areas on which DPD's efforts are concentrated. Community Development Grants, Climate Infrastructure Fund, and Equitable Transit Oriented Development have due dates through the Universal Small Grant Application portal on Friday, August 18th at 11:59PM.
Community Development Grants
Through the Community Development Grant program, DPD has coordinated multiple rounds of grant funding submissions to encourage regional commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing growth. Projects in Chicago neighborhoods with a history of underinvestment or little private investment are given priority by city employees.
Every application is reviewed as it is received.
Grant money can be used to pay for pre-development, construction, or restoration costs for long-term capital improvement projects, much like SBIF can.
Climate Infrastructure Fund Grants
Applications for grants are being accepted by the Climate Infrastructure Fund to fund local initiatives that lessen the effects of climate change and hasten the city's equitable transition to a green economy.
To support capital investments in energy efficiency projects, electric vehicles (such as buying new EVs or setting up EV charging stations), and green infrastructure (such as storm water/landscape solutions, green roofs), the fund offers individual grants ranging from about $50,000 to $250,000.
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Grants (eTOD)
Applications for projects including Equitable Transit-Oriented Development are now being accepted by the City of Chicago. The eTOD program will offer technical help and financing of up to $250,000 to enable community-led equitable development close to transit.
Additional CRP-Related Links
Grant information sessions
Spanish In-person session at the Lozano Library in Pilsen | Tues July 25 at 1PM
Online webinar | Mon July 31 at 1:30PM
Recording of the grant information session | June 29, 2023
Community Development Grant Resources page
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