Neighborhood Capital Fund – Late-Stage Capital Projects
Neighborhood Capital Fund – Late-Stage Capital Projects supports community-led developers with capital for real estate projects that strengthen underinvested Cook County neighborhoods without displacement.
This grant was recently updated
You can now provide architectural plans, an operating budget, and a long-term business plan “if available,” rather than as required documents, and a public-land application is listed as acceptable site-control evidence. The October 8 information session and instructions for excess uploads are no longer listed; contact ncf@cct.org if you need upload guidance. Your deadlines remain November 2, 2026 at 4 p.m. CT for the scope form and January 30, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. (time zone unspecified) for invited full applications.
Funder: Chicago Community Trust
Due Dates: November 2, 2026 (Project Scope Form) | January 30, 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,500,000 per project over two years
Summary: Supports late-stage, community-informed real estate developments that strengthen historically underinvested Cook County neighborhoods.
Key Information: Projects must have at least 75% of their capital stack secured, with documented financial commitments.
Description
The Neighborhood Capital Fund is a funders collaborative led by the Chicago Community Trust supporting real estate developments in historically underinvested Cook County neighborhoods, particularly on the South and West sides. Its late-stage capital grants help brick-and-mortar projects complete financing and move to and through construction, advancing community priorities and development without displacement.
The Fund seeks to build on nearby investment, sustain foot traffic and local revenue, create jobs, and expand services and amenities identified in community-led neighborhood plans. Community coordination and resident engagement are central priorities. Through financial and technical assistance, the Fund aims to complete and activate developments, attract investment, keep more dollars circulating locally, and improve residents’ access to opportunities.
