SECC Requests Project Proposals for Neighborhood Enhancement Grant
CHICAGO (June 8, 2020) – The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is excited to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2020 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program with generous support of the Elizabeth Louise Smith fund and Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC).
While our nation and our great City face the repercussions of systematic racism and divestment in predominantly Black and brown communities, we believe the Neighborhood Enhancement Grants are more relevant than ever. Business and community disruptions mixed with personal threats and losses from COVID-19 this year remind us of how fragile life can be and the necessity to focus on quality of life.
This is a great opportunity for communities to work together, creating beautiful spaces and needed improvements in our South Side neighborhoods.
By working together, we can build community from within the community. The power of partnerships can help the neighborhood thrive and create safe places and spaces for everyone to enjoy.
– Diane Burnham, Executive Director for South East Chicago Commission
The SECC offers grants to neighborhood organizations and community groups to support beautification projects, enhance the quality of life, and improve local neighborhoods. The program is designed to enhance the physical attractiveness and walkability of the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Woodlawn, and Washington Park communities.
Applications for the 2020 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant are now being accepted. Grant awards are based upon the proposed project with a maximum grant amount of $4,000 per organization.
Proposed projects must:
• Be submitted online. Click here to a launch the application.
• Be highly visible from the street
• Be completed between August 1 – November 1, 2020
• Physically enhance the neighborhood and build on the character and uniqueness of the community
• Strengthen civic pride and a strong sense of community
• Be sustainable
Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from the community. Proposal deadline is Wednesday July 1, 2020.
Following are a few examples of how the community has benefited from previous Neighborhood Enhancement Grant awards:
- Blacks in Green – Mamie Till Forgiveness Garden: This garden is an aromatic oasis, with medicinal and herbal installations to teach neighbors to return to their roots in indigenous healing. This project was led by Blacks in Green (BIG) to honor the mother of Emmitt Till and transform a vacant lot into an open community space (Woodlawn).
- 55th Street Augustana Gardens – Mosaic Art Project: This wall-based tile mosaic overlooks the beautiful urban garden along 55th Street. The theme of the mosaic was “All are Welcome,” both a reflection of this remarkable neighborhood’s diversity and an exhortation to the community and all who walk and drive by it daily on 55th Street (Hyde Park).
- The Kleo Center- Kleo Barrett Memorial Mural Project: The Kleo mural honors the life and legacy of Kleo Barrett for whom the organization was named. The design includes open palms which symbolize welcoming and a sense of safety (Washington Park).
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Grant, marking nearly $1,000,000 invested in local communities and thousands of local residents involved and affected by the South East Chicago Commission’s dedication to beautification, sustainability, and neighborhood improvements.
For more information, visit our Neighborhood Enhancement Grant page.