Community Development Grant — Small (≤ $250K)
DPD's flagship reimbursement grant for capital projects across all 77 Chicago community areas. The Small tier funds projects up to $250,000 at 75% of eligible costs. Funded by HED bond. Citywide — no corridor or zone gate. Current cycle deadline: August 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Check an Address — Free Snapshot
See whether a specific Chicago address sits inside the area that unlocks Community Development Grant — Small (≤ $250K), alongside every other incentive that touches that parcel.
For-profit small businesses, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and developers in good standing with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, undertaking a qualifying capital project (construction, rehabilitation, build-out, or equipment) at a Chicago address with documented site control. Operating expenses, working capital, and routine maintenance do not qualify.
Community Development Grant — Small (≤ $250K) is administered at the city level. Depending on the program, eligibility may depend on the specific location, property type, or business activity rather than a single drawn boundary.
Boundaries are precise and change over time, so exact eligibility always depends on the specific address. The fastest way to know is to run a free snapshot for the parcel you have in mind.
Citywide — eligible anywhere within Chicago city limits. No zone gate, but the project address must be in Chicago.
Typical range · Up to $250,000 (75% of eligible costs)
- +Reimbursement grant up to $250,000
- +Citywide eligibility — no corridor or zone gate
- +Covers capital costs: construction, rehab, build-out, equipment, soft costs
- +Pairs with NOF, SBIF, and most state/federal incentives (subject to standard stacking limits)
- 1Apply via the DPD Submittable portal (English or Spanish) on a rolling basis
- 2Submit a project narrative, itemized budget, timeline, and proof of site control
- 3DPD reviews quarterly; awardees notified after review
- 4After award, complete work and submit invoices for reimbursement under the executed grant agreement
Start the Submittable application or call DPD at (312) 744-4190
- Project narrative + scope of work
- Itemized capital budget with contractor estimates
- Project timeline (completion within program window)
- Proof of site control — deed, lease (≥5 yrs remaining), or owner consent letter
- Entity documentation (business license, 501(c)(3) determination, or developer LLC docs)
- Good-standing verification with State of Illinois and City of Chicago
- W-9, certificate of insurance, and matching-funds documentation (if applicable)
This page is a starting point, not eligibility, legal, or tax advice. Verify current requirements, deadlines, and boundaries with the administering agency before applying or spending money — program rules and funding change over time.
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Last verified 2026-07-02
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