Apply for the Fund


The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund finances projects in commercial corridors across Chicago's South, Southwest and West Sides.

Step 1: Determine Project Eligibility

NOF does not award grants for the construction or rehabilitation of residential uses, manufacturing uses, industrial uses, social services (including daycare and elder care), or places of worship that do not identify commercial as the primary use of a project. Non-profit organizations are eligible for the NOF grant, but they must be engaged in a retail or commercial activity or providing a cultural asset that is open to the public.

Search for your project address below to see if you are eligible to apply for a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant. 

Step 2: Review Program Guidelines

Review the the program guidelines to learn about the program rules and regulations,  requirements for applicants, and the application review and project selection process.

Step 3: Get More Information

Please review applicant support resources, including previously recorded information sessions and upcoming events.

Step 4: Submit an Application

NOF Small Grants

Applications for NOF Small Grants are not being accepted at this time.


NOF Large Grants

Those interested in applying for a grant of more than $250,000 must complete and submit a Universal Financial Incentives Application.  Large Grant requests will be considered for all eligible and available funding sources, including NOF, Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP) funds, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).  Large Grants do not exceed $5,000,000, and cover up to 75% of total project costs.

Applications are accepted year-round; however, the deadline for 2024 Round 1 funding is 11:59pm (CST), on Friday, February 16, 2024.    

All projects that receive a Large Grant are subject to the City of Chicago Construction Compliance Policies .

Please email FID_Intake@cityofchicago.org with questions regarding the Universal Financial Incentives Application.

 

Questions?

Contact us for assistance with understanding the program guidelines and application process or with any questions about the program.