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Community Development Grants Small is a grant program from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) that funds eligible commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects within Chicago. Grants provide up to $250,000, covering up to 75% of total eligible project costs for new construction, rehabilitation, or both.
Priority is given to projects with strong local impact that leverage community talents and institutions to contribute to neighborhood vitality. Eligible applicants include private and nonprofit developers, property owners, and businesses. The application deadline is August 14, 2026.
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Small grants up to $250,000 are intended to support eligible commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing projects. Grants provide funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation or both. Priority is given to projects with strong local impacts that leverage local talents, capacities and institutions and contribute to community vitality.
Private and non-profit developers, property owners and businesses are eligible to apply. Small grants are funded by theHousing and Economic Development (HED) bondand may be located anywhere within the City of Chicago. Grant opportunities through other funding sources are detailed on the Department of Planning and Development site.
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis; all project expenses are paid upfront by awardees. Grant disbursements are made at defined milestones during construction. More information is available onthe Community Development Grant FAQ page.
A comprehensive overview of Small grant rules and regulations isavailable in the program manual. Applications are now open. Apply by**11:59 p.
m. on Friday, Aug. 14**.
Apply NowPreséntese Ahora Proposed projects must be revenue-generating and comprise the following uses: * Commercial (office, retail) * Mixed-use residential (residential costs cannot exceed 25% of total grant amount and must be part of a larger building improvement, such as HVAC/plumbing). Grant uses may include hard costs, soft costs and acquistion costs. Acquisition and soft costs must be part of a broader commercial project.
Acquisition costs cannot exceed 25% of the total grant amount. Applications are evaluated using criteria based on a project’s anticipated impact, location, site characteristics, uses, documentation and financing. DPD also reviews applications for potential issues related to zoning, design and historic preservation.
Applicants are encouraged to confer with general contractors to provide estimates based on formal bids. Small grant funding is calculated based on the budget provided in the application. #### **Informational Webinar** DPD hosted an informational webinar for CDG-Small applicants in January 2026.
A recording of the webinaris available to watch on YouTube.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Private and non-profit developers, property owners, and businesses are eligible to apply. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $250,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is August 14, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.