Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF)
The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund provides reimbursement grants for commercial and industrial projects in underinvested neighborhoods on Chicago's South, Southwest, and West Sides, funded by downtown development fees. Mayor Johnson announced 11 new awardees in May 2026 ($5.5M).
Check an Address — Free Snapshot
Compare the geocoded point for a Chicago address with the boundary used to screen Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF). A match is a location signal; review the current program source for the boundary's role and remaining criteria.
Published criteria — confirm with City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
- Project must be in an eligible South, Southwest, or West Side community
- Commercial or industrial project
- Must demonstrate community impact and job creation
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) is screened against the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund boundary. A geocoded point that intersects that boundary is a location signal, not a determination — review the current program source for the boundary's role and any remaining criteria. A single address can fall inside several overlapping incentive boundaries at once.
Boundaries are precise and change over time, so whether a specific address falls inside a mapped zone always depends on that exact address. The fastest way to check is to run a free snapshot for the parcel you have in mind — mapped coverage is a location signal, not an eligibility determination.
Range on file · $250K @ 75% reimbursement + up to $50K TA bonus
Current published terms as of 2026-07-10
- +Up to $250,000 reimbursing 75% of eligible costs
- +Additional up to $50,000 (or 20%) technical-assistance bonus when paired with approved TA provider
- +Covers construction, renovation, and equipment costs
- +Priority for businesses serving the local community
- +Large catalytic projects now route through the Community Development Grant program
Application timing can change. Verify current availability and instructions with the administering agency before relying on this program.
Verify current status on the official source- Completed NOF application
- Project budget and timeline
- Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
- Business plan showing community impact
- Contractor bids for construction/renovation
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.
- Check corridor eligibility and the current application round — City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
Applications are evaluated in rounds and eligibility is corridor-based. Confirm the current deadline and the eligibility map before preparing materials.
- Finalist legal documents (EDS, affidavits, ownership chart) — City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
Finalists complete an Economic Disclosure Statement, child-support and property-owner affidavits, and a principal profile on the program's schedule. The applicant or an authorized representative signs.
- Proof of financing after the Conditional Award Letter — City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
After a Conditional Award Letter, finalists document their share of project financing within the program's stated window. Construction funds flow through an escrow with DPD-approved draws.
- Phone
- (312) 744-4190
- Web
- Visit site ↗
Last verified 2026-07-10
Tax Increment Financing captures growth in property tax revenue within designated districts and reinvests it into local improvements like infrastructure, streetscaping, and building rehabilitation. Chicago has 124 active TIF districts (Civic Federation, 2025).
TIF-funded reimbursement grant for permanent building improvements to commercial and industrial properties. Open on a monthly TIF-by-TIF rollout schedule (July 1-30 and August 1-30 windows open for eligible districts in those months). Administered by SomerCor.
Special Service Areas are localized taxing districts where businesses self-tax to fund enhanced services — streetscaping, marketing, security, facade improvements — within a defined commercial corridor. Chicago has 58 active SSAs citywide, each managed by a delegate service provider (a local chamber, EDO, or nonprofit).
Properties in Chicago Landmark Districts may access local preservation incentives. The City designates landmarks via the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (62 districts per the 2025 Landmarks Ordinance); the related Class L property tax reduction is administered by the Cook County Assessor — see the separate Class L entry.