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

March 12, 2026 (Sponsorships application deadline)

Up to $10,000 per award; average award is $5,000 or less; one sponsorship per organization per 12-month period.

Sponsorships support public programming events that advance economic mobility, opportunity, and well-being in Chicago communities.

Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) or have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and serve Cook County.

--- ## Description The Chicago Community Trust provides sponsorships for public programming events that aim to strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity, and address critical needs in the Chicago region. Eligible events include meetings, forums, conferences, community gatherings, cultural events, and fundraising activities such as galas and walk-a-thons. Events must align with the Trust’s strategic priorities, demonstrating community-driven solutions, amplifying resident voices, supporting inclusive development, or promoting innovative approaches to homeownership or income growth. The Trust encourages organizations to show how their events convene stakeholders and contribute to long-term community change. --- ## Due Dates - March 12, 2026: Application deadline for Sponsorships (full application submission) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award per organization: $10,000 - Typical/average award: $5,000 or less - Limit: One sponsorship per organization in any 12-month period - Disbursements are expected in May 2026 --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. - The organization must be located in or primarily serve Cook County, Illinois. - Preference is given to organizations not currently funded by the Trust and those aligned with the Trust’s mission and strategic direction. - Ineligible uses: Sports teams, political campaigns, religious activities, or events already sponsored by an active Trust grant (including multi-year agreements). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through [GrantCentral](https://trust360.my.site.com/grantcentral/s/), the Trust’s online grants management system. - The application window opens February 19, 2026, and closes March 12, 2026. - Submit your request 2–3 months before your event; do not apply earlier than 4 months before the event date. - Prepare to demonstrate event alignment with the Trust’s priorities and community impact. - Only one sponsorship application per organization is permitted per 12-month period. --- ## Additional Information - The sponsorship opportunity is highly competitive due to a high volume of applications and limited resources. - Organizations should review the Trust’s [strategic plan](https://www.cct.org/about/strategic-plan/) for alignment. - All requests are subject to resource availability. --- ## External Links - [Sponsorships Grant Opportunity 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/) - [What We Fund](https://www.cct.org/grants/what-we-fund/) - [Chicago Community Trust 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) | | Sponsorship Program/Application Help | [sponsorships@cct.org](mailto:sponsorships@cct.org) | | Phone | +1 312-616-8000 | | Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://www.cct.org/contact-us/) |

Sponsorships

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