The City of Chicago is committed to strengthening local business corridors and enhancing neighborhood vitality.

The Chicago Recovery Plan provides opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic developments that expand upon DPD’s existing investments and support.

DPD periodically accepts applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. City staff prioritizes projects in areas of Chicago with a history of disinvestment or limited private investment.

Eligibility

• Grant funding can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects.
• Open to community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required.
• Residential-only development is not eligible, but mixed-use projects are eligible.
• Priority is given to catalytic projects with a strong local impact that are able to leverage local talents, capacities and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community.
• Applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible to apply. Priority projects are located in historically disinvested areas and/or build upon existing efforts and community safety initiatives.
• Priority is given to projects that demonstrate momentum and are expected to break ground within six months of grant acceptance.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Prepare to Apply

Only applications for funding levels more than $250,000 are currently being accepted. Grant requests should represent no more than 75 percent of anticipated total project cost.

Apply now for grants more than $250,000 (Large)

For advice and potential resources to help with your application, please go to the Community Development Grant Resources page.