Local Grant Opportunities
All grants are opportunities are referrals from Alderman Beale and the City of Chicago. Please contact each program individually for more information on eligibility, deadlines, application questions, and updates.
The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program is now OPEN! Eligible households may now apply for up to $30,000 in free assistance to pay past due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner and/or condo association fees.
This program provides low-income motorists with relief for vehicle-related debt, excluding expired meter tickets. Benefits of CPR include:
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Pay off the original fine amount for tickets issued in the last 3 years and all eligible older debt will be waived.
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50% reduction of new tickets issued within 365 days from down payment of debt relief payment plan.
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New unpaid tickets will not be assessed penalties until after December 31, 2023.
Chicago Resilient Pilot
The City of Chicago announced the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, a $31.5 million dollar commitment to tackle poverty and put residents at the center of the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The selection process is a citywide lottery to receive $500 per month for twelve months, with no strings attached. The application open until May 13th. You may sign up for updates using this link here or visit Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot homepage.
Urban Main
Main Street America partnered with the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) as part of the INVEST South/West Initiative to serve as the technical assistance service provider to local Chicago-based community organizations charged with leading commercial corridor revitalization efforts. Interested organizations can complete an application here.
Public Outdoor Plaza Program

DPD's Public Outdoor Plazas (POPs) Program will fund not-for-profit organizations for the design, construction, programming, and maintenance of pedestrian outdoor spaces. These plazas will highlight community-focused placemaking, support community identity, create safe and beautiful outdoor spaces for public enjoyment, and contribute to the economic vitality.
Chicago Recovery Plan Grants for Community Development

The purpose of this program is to expand upon the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) investments and support for catalytic local development. Through these grants, the City aims to strengthen local corridors, enhance neighborhood vitality, and drive equitable economic recovery.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/svcs/chicago-recovery-grant-application.html
DCASE City Arts Program
The City is offering $6M in DCASE grants for Chicago nonprofit arts organizations. The 2022 CityArts Program provides general operating support and project grants to individuals and organizations. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 22nd Please visit ChicagoCulturalGrants.org to apply
Utility Billing Relief (UBR)
The UBR provides low-income City of Chicago residents with a reduced rate on their water, sewer, and water-sewer taxes. It also provides debt relief for those who are able to manage the reduced rate bills for one year.
ChicagoMoves
Gas and Transit Cards
By applying to this program, you have the opportunity to receive a $150 prepaid gas card or a $50 prepaid transit cards. Applications for Chicago Moves will open on April 27, 2022, and cards will be distributed every month from May through September. Deadlines for the gas card will be the 3rd of May, June, July, August, and September. Deadline for the transit card will be on the 3rd of June.
Neighborhood Initiative Grant
This small-grants program awards direct funding to resident-led projects in West Pullman and Greater Grand Crossing; you dream up the idea, recruit your neighbors, and we’ll fund it.
https://www.habitatchicago.org/grants/info
(312)-563-0296 x313
Black Caucus Scholarship Fund
This opportunity is available to currently enrolled college/university students and high school seniors. Please see below the application link and more detailed information.
http://TINYURL.COM/CABCSCHOLARSHIP2022
If you have any questions, email info@chicagoblackcaucus.com.
Voice of the City Grant
Pullman: Laboring Together celebrates the past, present and future of the whole Pullman community from 103rd to 115th streets through, but not limited to: Visual Art, Music, Dance, Theatre, Spoken Word, Culinary Arts, Photo/Film/Video (multi-arts collaboration is encouraged) A Cohort of 5 artists and 2 arts organizations.
Apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTOnNFonhr8f4vDVIInFBiB1yLxDCRfVC5veAbSaN8SeLaKw/viewform.
Affordable Homeownership Program

We partner with hard-working individuals and families like you who meet our qualifications, with no discrimination in selection. We want to invest in families who are willing to invest in their communities. Is that you?https://www.habitatchicago.org/programs-services/affordable-homeownership/program
Chicago Foundation for Women
We offer grants that range from $15,000 to $150,000 and support organizations within the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties). Activities can be local, regional, or, in some instances, statewide.
Greater Chicago Together is a central hub for local organizations and small businesses in Chicagoland and Cook County to learn about and connect to grant opportunities available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), President Biden’s plan to provide direct relief to Americans, contain COVID-19 and rescue the economy.


