The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) provides grants up to $250,000 for small business and cultural projects located along West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors. NOF grants are provided as reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project expenses with a maximum grant of $250,000. Applicants may qualify for additional funding for Technical Assistance.

Funds are sourced from fees paid by downtown construction projects through the Department of Planning and Development's Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus program.

Grants in excess of $300,000 are available through DPD's Community Development Grant (CDG) program. For information on grants between $300,001 and $5 million, visit the CDG-Medium page. For information on grants exceeding $5 million, visit the CDG-Large page.

Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a grant information session in-person or online.

Previous sessions:

Webinar | Thursday, Nov. 19
Watch the recording

Webinar | Thursday, December 5
Watch the recording

Additional dates coming soon

All NOF projects must be located on an eligibile or priority corridor, confirm your property is eligibile email NOF@CityofChicago.org with the full address. NOF grants fund permanent capital improvements, types of projects, and expenses include: 

Eligible Projects: 

• Commercial (office, retail) 
• Cultural (museums, theaters, performance venues)
• Non-profits with an on-site commercial component 
• Commercial components of industrial uses

Eligible Expenses: 

• New construction  
• Storefront buildouts  
• Facade repair, window, and door replacement  
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work 
• Roof repairs
• Acquisition costs - as part of a larger construction or renovation project
• Soft costs (design, technical assistance)

NOF does not award grants for the construction or rehabilitation of residential uses, manufacturing uses, industrial uses, or places of worship that do not identify commercial as the primary use of a project.  

Applications are accepted through the City of Chicago's Submittable online portal. Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend an NOF information session prior to submitting their materials.

To stay informed about NOF, sign up to receive updates via email. 

Next application period

Application opening:  Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 

Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 

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