Apply

The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund serves the West, Southwest or South Sides, NOF grant projects must be located on an NOF eligible or priority commercial corridor.  

Next application period

Application opening:  Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 

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

NOF grants are provided as reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project costs, maximum grants are $250,000. Both new construction and rehabilitation costs are eligible, as well as certain soft costs involving design and technical assistance.

How to apply: 

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

  1. Confirm geographic eligibility email NOF@CityofChicago.org, with the project's full address. 
  2. Create your free account on Submittable.com ​
  3. Upload all required documentation to ensure your project is accurately reviewed​
  4. Review your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.​
  5. Submit your application by 11:59 pm on February 14, 2025. 

Applications submitted after the deadline will be automatically evaluated after the next deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated quarterly.

Prepare to Apply

NOF applications are evaluated based on the criteria outlined below, please review this section and visit the resources and FAQs for additional information. 

Confirm geographic eligibility

Confirm that your project is eligible email NOF@CityofChicago.org or call DPD at  312-744-2780 with the full address. 

Eligibility 

Eligible commercial and cultural examples: 

  • Restaurants
  • Groceries
  • Cafes
  • Offices
  • Stores
  • Mixed-use exteriors
  • Museums
  • Theaters
  • Performance venues
  • Art galleries

Non-profit organizations are eligible, provided the scope of the grant covers permanent capital improvements for a revenue generating project. 

Ineligible examples: 

  • Homes/residences
  • Factories/industrial uses
  • Social services (including daycare/elder care) 
  • Places of worship that do not have commercial components

 

Readiness 

Feasibility

Applications that can demonstrate proof of project financing will be more competitive. Applicants who do not have at least 50% proof of financing at point of application may be assigned to the NOF project pipeline. Projects which are placed in the pipeline meet some, but not all eligibility criteria. Pipeline projects may be paired with financial and technical assistance to obtain necessary financing to help meet all eligibility criteria and will be encouraged to apply for the next round.    

Proof of financing 

  • A bank statement demonstrating available funds for 50% total project costs.  
  • Bank statements for partial costs may be combined with other secure funding sources.  
  • Closing documents from a lender showing their financing is active and ready to be used for the project. 

Accepted projects must be able to demonstrate 50% proof financing within 4 months of receiving a Conditional Award Letter from DPD.  

Site Control 

Proof of site control is required to complete the NOF application process. Site control documents must match the name and address of the business entity and project site on the grant application. Examples of site control documentation:  

  • Recorded deed 
  • Fully executed lease (minimum of 5 years) 
  • Purchase and sale agreement or redevelopment agreement (for projects with an acquisition component) 

 

Realization 

Construction Planning 

Applicants should show construction bids and/or detail how the estimated construction costs are substantiated. DPD recommends applicants speak with general contractors to understand the requirements, process, and cost estimates before applying. Demonstrate that projects can be fully realized by providing: 

  • Construction and design documents 
  • A detailed project budget and construction timeline 
  • A detailed business plan and leadership team summary 

 

Community Impact 

The NOF program uses existing community plans and input from elected officials and community representatives to identify projects that fill a community's needs and goals. Grant applicants should research the community they intend to serve and demoonstrate how their projects might enhance local strengths and opportunities and mitigate callenges. A list of DPD-affiliated community plans and studies is located here.