Pre-Development Fund

The Chicago Community Trust, a longstanding philanthropic institution committed to fostering equity and economic opportunity in the region, administers the Pre-Development Fund as part of its broader Community Wealth strategy. This strategy aims to support community-driven visions for economic growth that revitalize historically underinvested neighborhoods, particularly in Chicago’s South and West Sides. The Pre-Development Fund specifically supports neighborhood-scale development projects that deliver community-aligned assets and amenities, aiming to stimulate local economic activity, enhance quality of life, and promote long-term wealth-building for residents. The program provides grants of up to $100,000 over a 24-month term to help recipients advance critical pre-development activities. These include design and engineering services, environmental assessments, legal due diligence, market studies, and community engagement efforts. The funding is intended to position projects to attract subsequent development capital, increasing the likelihood of project completion and long-term neighborhood investment. While property acquisition may be eligible in some cases, it is not the primary focus of the fund. To be eligible, projects must be located in Cook County, Illinois, within historically underinvested neighborhoods. Applicants must have established site control—preferably outright ownership—or a clearly defined path to ownership; lease agreements do not qualify. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(6) organizations, and for-profit applicants working through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Projects must be neighborhood-scaled and demonstrate alignment with community economic strategies, including endorsements from civic and community leaders and proximity to infrastructure, economic corridors, or community hubs. The application process is two-fold. Step one involves submitting a project scope through an intake form, detailing project leadership, financials, goals, and anticipated neighborhood impacts. Applicants advancing past this stage will be invited to submit a full application through the GrantCentral platform and participate in an interview with Trust staff and the program consultant. This second phase allows for a more in-depth review of project alignment and feasibility. The Pre-Development Fund is currently open for project scope submissions, with a deadline of 4:00 p.m. Central Time on January 12, 2026. Applicants will be notified approximately two weeks after the deadline if they are invited to move forward with a full application. For further information or specific questions, interested parties may contact Edwin Tobar at etobar@cct.org. The grant is not recurring and will not reopen annually unless otherwise announced.

Emphasize site control and connection to local economic strategies; secure community endorsements; align project with existing community plans.