SECC Announces the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program Grant
March 31, 2025, CHICAGO, IL – The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) with thanks from a private donation, we are excited to release the 2025 Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program Grant application.
Formerly known as the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant, the program focuses on enhancing the physical attractiveness and walkability of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn. Since 1999, nearly $1.5 million dollars has been granted to over 200 projects representing community and faith-based organizations, block clubs, neighborhood schools, and park advisory councils to support neighborhood enhancement projects.
The program pays homage to former SECC Board President and community leader Shirley J. Newsome, who joined the SECC Board of Directors in 2006. For nearly 15 years, Ms. Newsome provided valuable insight, expertise, and guidance on how micro-grants were dispersed. She directly impacted over 120 projects during her involvement with the program. Ms. Newsome served on the SECC Executive Board and on the Advisory Board through her passing in December 2022.
Diane Burnham, Executive Director of the SECC, stated, “SECC is thrilled to announce another season on providing valuable microgrants into the communities. We plan to continue to amplify Ms. Newsome’s vision in changing the landscape of vacant lots and other public spaces and working to change the narrative of Chicago’s South Side through placemaking efforts.”
The Grant Application is open now through Monday April 28th, 2025. Awards are based upon the proposed project, with a maximum grant amount of $5,000 per organization. Proposed projects must:
- Be highly visible from the street
- Be completed between June 2nd – October 27th, 2025
- Physically enhance and build on the uniqueness and character of the neighborhood
- Strengthen civic pride and a strong sense of community
- Be sustainable
- Be located within one of the SECC’s five footprint neighborhoods (Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Woodlawn, or Washington Park)
Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from the community areas and the SECC.
Application deadline is Monday, April 28th, 2025.
To learn more and apply, use the link below:
The following are a few examples of previously funded projects:
- Muddy Waters MOJO Museum – Muddy Waters MOJO Museum Front Yard/Vacant Lot Beautification performed a series of maintenance and improvement efforts for the MOJO house front yard at 4329 S Lake Park Avenue, including the installation of flowers in planters, landscaping maintenance, and temporary fencing. This beautification has generated excitement for the opening of the MOJO Healing Garden and Museum. (Oakland)
- First Presbyterian Church of Chicago – The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago Beautification Project installed shrubs and featured sculptural works from artists-in-residence in the area surrounding its soon-to-be-restored greenhouse affixed to the church. The project involved landscaping and installation of new flower beds and seating to create a publicly accessible community greenspace. (Woodlawn)
- Oakland Cultural Alliance – Oakland Museum and Garden Preservation rebuilt and refurbished public bench seating and replaced fencing areas surrounding sunflower plantings at the site of the Oakland Museum to allow for continual community use. (Oakland)
For more information, please contact the South East Chicago Commission via email at outreach@secc-chicago.org to learn more about this exciting opportunity.