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

April 17, 2026: Full application deadline (submit application by 11:59 p.m. CT)

Multi-year, multi-million-dollar grants; initial design/testing phase grants typically $100,000–$300,000 per project

Supports nonprofits and public agencies in Chicago/Cook County to innovate and redesign essential services in food, shelter, healthcare, and safety systems.

--- ## Description The Resilient Chicago Fund is a collaborative philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting nonprofits and government partners in Chicago and Cook County. The fund's goal is to enable these organizations to adapt, rethink, and redesign the delivery of essential benefits and services—specifically in the areas of food, shelter, healthcare, and safety—amidst shifting federal policies and funding landscapes. Recipients participate in design and testing phases with expert coaching, engage in a peer learning community, and may be eligible for further implementation funding if pilot efforts are successful. The fund emphasizes bold, systems-level changes and encourages collaborative, cross-sector approaches. --- ## Due Dates - April 17, 2026: Full application deadline (submit by 11:59 p.m. CT) --- ## Funding Amount - Most design and testing grants range from **$100,000 to $300,000** depending on project scope and timeline. - Selected organizations may be eligible for **multi-year, multi-million-dollar implementation grants** after the initial testing phase. - Approximately 10–15 organizations will be selected for the initial phase. --- ## Eligibility - **Lead applicants must be nonprofit organizations** (501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored by one) based in or primarily serving Chicago or Cook County. - Governmental units within the meaning of Section 170(c)(1) of the IRS Code are also eligible. - Collaborative proposals are encouraged and may include government agencies, community partners, or private-sector organizations. - Applicants should have significant experience in basic human needs systems and the capacity to manage complex, multi-year initiatives. - Projects must address system-level challenges in food, shelter, healthcare, or safety, and demonstrate readiness for design and testing work. - Ineligible: General operating support unrelated to redesign/testing, one-time events, stand-alone research, advocacy not linked to implementation, electioneering, or activities violating laws. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the full RFP**: [Download here (PDF)](https://www.cct.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RFP-for-RCF-2026_FINAL.pdf) 2. **Complete the self-assessment** in the RFP to ensure fit. 3. **Prepare responses** using the provided application template. 4. **Submit application online**: [Application portal (SurveyMonkey)](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ResilientChicagoFund) by April 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT. 5. **Information session**: March 20, 2026, 12:30–1:30 p.m. CT ([Join via Zoom](https://chicagocommunitytrust.zoom.us/j/82184462573?pwd=Iihj5poafCLlWi4LBBsPgx6HLwysgq.1)). 6. Applications will be reviewed, and selected organizations will be invited for interviews (May 10–15, 2026). Funding decisions are expected by the end of May 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Selected organizations will receive coaching support (~5 hours/week) and participate in a peer learning community. - Participation in the design/testing phase does **not guarantee** subsequent implementation funding. - Projects should demonstrate a clear pathway to financial and operational sustainability beyond philanthropic support. --- ## External Links - [Program page & RFP details](https://www.cct.org/grants/opportunities/rfp-resilient-chicago-fund/) - [Full RFP (PDF)](https://www.cct.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RFP-for-RCF-2026_FINAL.pdf) - [Application portal (SurveyMonkey)](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ResilientChicagoFund) - [How to Apply at Chicago Community Trust](https://www.cct.org/grants/how-to-apply/) - [What We Fund](https://www.cct.org/grants/what-we-fund/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|----------------------------------| | General/program questions | [rcf@cct.org](mailto:rcf@cct.org) | | Accommodations/translation | Email rcf@cct.org by March 16, 2026 | | Chicago Community Trust Info | [info@cct.org](mailto:info@cct.org) / +1 312-616-8000 | | Contact form | [Chicago Community Trust Contact Page](https://www.cct.org/contact-us/) |

RFP: Resilient Chicago Fund – Open Call

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