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

July 11, 2025 (Project Scope submission)

Up to $100,000 per project | 24-month grant term

Supports neighborhood-scale development projects that catalyze economic growth and community revitalization in underinvested areas of Cook County.

Project Scope submission is the required first step; only eligible projects will be invited to submit a full application.

--- ## Description The Pre-Development Fund, administered by the Chicago Community Trust, provides grants to support neighborhood-scale development projects in historically underinvested communities within Cook County, Illinois. The program aims to catalyze economic growth, foster thriving neighborhoods, and ensure that local assets generate lasting benefits for current and future generations. Funding is intended for pre-development activities that are critical to advancing projects toward securing additional development capital, such as design, due diligence, and early-stage project management. Example projects include new restaurants, entertainment spaces, grocery stores, health hubs, or the redevelopment of vacant properties, all aligned with community-driven visions for economic growth. --- ## Due Dates - **Project Scope Submission Deadline:** July 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. CT (Submissions after this deadline will not be considered.) Applicants will be notified approximately two weeks after the project scope deadline if they are invited to submit a full application. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum Award:** Up to $100,000 per project - **Grant Term:** Up to 24 months - **Funding Type:** Project-based, focused on pre-development activities - **Eligible Expenses:** Architectural and engineering services, consultant fees, environmental and legal expenses, market studies, third-party project management, community engagement, and fiscal sponsorship fees. Property acquisition costs may be eligible on a case-by-case basis (projects seeking funding exclusively for acquisition will not be considered). --- ## Eligibility Projects must meet all of the following requirements: - **Geography:** Located within a historically underinvested neighborhood in Cook County, with a focus on the South and West Sides of Chicago. - **Site Control:** Outright site ownership is strongly preferred, but a clearly defined path to ownership (e.g., purchase agreement, acquisition letter) is acceptable. Lease agreements are not eligible. - **Organizational Status:** - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(6) organizations, or projects with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. - For-profit entities must apply with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. - **Scale:** Projects must be neighborhood-scale (small to medium-sized) and fit the context of the existing neighborhood. - **Alignment:** Projects should be aligned with community-driven economic development plans and have community endorsements (e.g., letters of support from civic leaders, neighborhood organizations). - **Ineligible Projects:** Single-family housing, charter schools, supportive housing, or projects addressing other critical needs outside the economic development scope are not eligible. For more details on fiscal sponsorship, see the [Fiscal Sponsorship FAQs (PDF)](https://www.cct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fiscal-Sponsorship-FAQs.pdf). --- ## Application Process 1. **Project Scope Submission:** - Complete the [Project Scope Form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6cf81efa6cc84723bb8e1898f227c7fc) by July 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. CT. - The form requests details on project eligibility, organizational status, site control, development phase, financials, and community impact. 2. **Review and Invitation:** - Submissions are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with program goals. - Selected projects will be invited to submit a full application via GrantCentral and participate in an interview with Trust staff. 3. **Full Application:** - Invited applicants will receive instructions to complete the full application in [GrantCentral](https://community-cct.force.com/grantcentral/). - Additional documentation and a more detailed project proposal will be required. 4. **Notification:** - Applicants will be notified of their status approximately two weeks after the project scope deadline. **Tip:** Progress is not saved in the Project Scope Form; complete it in one session. --- ## Additional Information - **Information Sessions:** Attend a virtual information session to learn more and ask questions: - [June 10, 2025, 10:00–11:15 a.m. CT (Register)](https://chicagocommunitytrust.zoom.us/meeting/register/NjJkBtrNT0K-PhqdgM5y1g) - [June 17, 2025, 12:30–1:45 p.m. CT (Register)](https://chicagocommunitytrust.zoom.us/meeting/register/KXCGiJWiQFuaWGCwhyBIKw) - [June 27, 2025, 1:00–2:15 p.m. CT (Register)](https://chicagocommunitytrust.zoom.us/meeting/register/6T0_50zST0ywCrBqBlIrHg) - **Qualified Expenses:** Only pre-development stage activities are eligible. Planning-stage activities and projects seeking funding solely for property acquisition are not eligible. - **Community Endorsements:** Strongly recommended to demonstrate support from local organizations and leaders. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Portal](https://www.cct.org/grants/opportunities/pre-development-fund/) - [Project Scope Submission Form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6cf81efa6cc84723bb8e1898f227c7fc) - [How to Apply (GrantCentral Resources)](https://www.cct.org/grants/how-to-apply/) - [Fiscal Sponsorship FAQs (PDF)](https://www.cct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fiscal-Sponsorship-FAQs.pdf) - [Current Funding Opportunities](https://www.cct.org/grants/opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|------------------------------|-------------------| | Edwin Tobar (Program) | [etobar@cct.org](mailto:etobar@cct.org) | | | General Inquiries | [info@cct.org](mailto:info@cct.org) | +1 312-616-8000 |

Pre-Development Fund - Chicago Community Trust

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