CHICAGO (April 1, 2022) – The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is excited to announce a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2022 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program. While our nation, our city, and our communities continue to remain vigilant in the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery, we believe right now is a wonderful time for communities to come together to create spaces and resources in our South Side neighborhoods. VIEW THE APPLICATION
SECC would like to extend a special thanks to our sponsor the Elizabeth Louise Smith Fund, who has graciously provided a matching grant for the program for the past five years. The program is also supported by many individual and private donors through SECC’s annual “A Night at the Theater” fundraising event slated for Friday May 13th, 2022 with an opening performance of August Wilson’s riveting play Two Trains Running at the esteemed Court Theater.
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. Since 1999, SECC has granted nearly $1,000,000 collectively to neighborhood schools, faith-based and community organizations, park advisory councils, and block groups to support neighborhood beautification projects! View Impact Report
Applications for the 2022 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant are now being accepted. Grant 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 1 – September 30, 2022
- Physically enhance and build on the uniqueness and character of the neighborhood
- 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 areas and the SECC. Proposal deadline extended to Monday, May 16, 2022.
Post Updated 5.3.2022