[Chicago Community Trust](https://www.cct.org)

March 12, 2026 (Application deadline for Sponsorships)

Up to $10,000 per sponsorship; one award per organization per cycle.

Supports events in Chicago/Cook County that promote economic mobility, opportunity, and community well-being, emphasizing resident voices and collaboration.

Preference for organizations with budgets under $1M and those not currently funded by the Trust.

--- ## Description The Chicago Community Trust’s Sponsorships program funds nonprofit-led events in Chicago and Cook County that strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity, and address critical community needs. These sponsorships are intended to elevate resident perspectives, promote innovative solutions for income growth and wealth-building, foster cross-sector collaboration, and address pressing challenges faced by underinvested communities. The Trust prioritizes events that create meaningful engagement, amplify community-driven solutions, and encourage inclusive development, especially for vulnerable residents. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: March 12, 2026 - Application window opens: February 19, 2026 - Disbursements: May 2026 *All sponsorship applications must be submitted during the application window. Submit requests 2–3 months before your event and no earlier than 4 months prior to the event date.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $10,000 per event - One sponsorship award per organization per cycle Funding is intended for event support. Organizations may only receive one sponsorship per cycle. --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor - Events must serve residents of Chicago or Cook County - Preference given to organizations with annual budgets under $1 million - Preference for organizations not currently funded by the Chicago Community Trust - Eligible event types include meetings, forums, conferences, and cultural events aligned with the Trust’s mission **Ineligible:** - Sports teams - Political campaigns - Religious activities - Events already sponsored with an existing or active Trust grant --- ## Application Process 1. Review eligibility and alignment with the Trust’s mission and strategic priorities. 2. Prepare your event proposal, highlighting community-driven solutions, resident engagement, and potential for economic mobility. 3. Submit your application via [GrantCentral](https://trust360.my.site.com/grantcentral/s/) during the application window. 4. Supporting materials may be required (see [How to Apply](https://www.cct.org/grants/how-to-apply/)). 5. Organizations should apply 2–3 months before their event date. --- ## Additional Information - Sponsorships are reviewed twice yearly, aligned with summer and fall event seasons. - Applicants are encouraged to explain how their event advances economic mobility, builds wealth, and supports vulnerable or underinvested communities. - All requests and supporting materials become property of the Trust and will not be returned. --- ## External Links - [Sponsorships Program Page](https://www.cct.org/grants/opportunities/sponsorships/) - [GrantCentral Application Portal](https://trust360.my.site.com/grantcentral/s/) - [How to Apply](https://www.cct.org/grants/how-to-apply/) - [Strategic Plan](https://www.cct.org/about/strategic-plan/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@cct.org](mailto:info@cct.org) | | GrantCentral technical support | [grants@cct.org](mailto:grants@cct.org) | | Programmatic/application content questions | [sponsorships@cct.org](mailto:sponsorships@cct.org) | | Phone | +1 312-616-8000 |

Sponsorships

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