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Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) is sponsored by City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. Provides capital development grants for small business permanent improvements and renovations on South, Southwest, and West Side commercial corridors in Chicago. The grant can reimburse up to 75% of eligible project costs.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated quarterly.
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The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) provides capital development 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 if they use a DPD-approved project management or architect service provider.. 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. All NOF projects must be located on an eligibile or priority corridor.
To confirm your property is eligibile, email NOF@CityofChicago. orgwith the full address. NOF grants fund permanent capital improvements.
Grants can only be accessed through reimbursement or an escrow agreement for eligible work initiated _after_ receipt of an NOF conditional award letter. This does not preclude grantees from conducting other due diligence or preliminary activities that are not funded by the grant.
Eligible project types and expenses include: * Commercial (office, retail) * Cultural (museums, theaters, performance venues) * Non-profits with an on-site commercial component * Commercial components of industrial uses * Facade repair, window, and door replacement * Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work * 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 projec t.
For full project eligiblity information, see the NOF Program Manual. Grant Information Sessions
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Landlords, owner/operators, and tenants with landlord approval; must have site control via deed, lease, or purchase agreement; property must be on designated NOF corridor on South, Southwest, or West Side; residential and industrial properties not eligible. Located in Chicago, IL. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $250,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) are due November 13, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) is funded by City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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