June 3, 2025 – The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is honored to announce The Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Grant Awards for 2025. The program aims to provide micro-grants to neighborhood organizations and groups to support beautification and revitalization projects that enhance the physical attractiveness and quality of life within Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn communities.
Since 1999, the SECC has collectively granted more than $1,000,000 in beautification funds. For 2025, the SECC received a large gift from a very generous individual donor, alongside a gift from the Hyde Park Garden Fair, and private donations from our annual A Night at the Theatre fundraising event, to graciously support this year’s projects.
“The SECC has worked to build communities from the inside out with strategic micro-investments that impact not only the neighborhoods we serve but also the neighbors themselves. Ultimately, we are working collectively to attract investments to the community at large” stated Diane Burnham, Executive Director for the SECC.
The SECC and Community Selection Committee are honored to announce six community awards for 2025. The grant selection committee, comprised of community members from the five footprint neighborhoods, selected the following community groups for the strength of their proposals and the breadth of potential impact:
Future Ties, NFP (Woodlawn) – The “Community Corner Pocket Parks” project will involve transforming three corners into inviting green spaces. Location: 6300-6600 S King Drive.
Kenwood Park Advisory Council (KPAC) (Kenwood) – KPAC’s “Nature Play Space” will reimagine an underused, fenced grassy area adjacent to the splash pad as a fully immersive, all-natural environment where children can explore, learn and play. Location: East 49th Street & S. Dorchester Ave.
Mollie’s Greenhouse & Garden (Woodlawn) – Launched in 2024, Mollie’s Greenhouse & Garden has quickly become a hub for food, education, and community in Woodlawn. “The Pollinator Pathway Project” will create a visible, vibrant pollinator pathway that will run along the side and front of the Woodlawn Community Food Pantry—transforming the entire block into a continuous, pollinator-friendly landscape. Location: 500 block of East 67th St.
South Prairie Neighbors (Washington Park) – “The Prairie Urban Garden” is a beautification and community activation initiative that will transform a long-neglected vacant lot adjacent to our building into a thriving, seasonal garden. The project includes six raised beds for vegetables and herbs, shaded seating, composting, and educational signage. Location: 6030 S Prairie Ave.
Urban Juncture Foundation (Washington Park) – “The Bronzeville Community Garden” will undergo a revitalization enhancing the sidewalk-facing edge of the garden to improve its visibility, safety, and long-term sustainability. Location: 343-347 E 51st St.
Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center (Woodlawn) – “The Woodlawn Botanical Garden” project brings to completion the shade garden on the front south side of the garden space. Location: 6300 S. Stony Island Ave.
For additional details about the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Grants, click here.