Chicago, IL Grant Opportunities

The Medium Community Development Grant Application must be submitted to request funding between $300,001 and $5,000,000, from the Department of Planning & Development, for real estate development and construction (capital) projects. Applicants must review the Program Manual prior to submitting an application. Those seeking a Cook County Property Tax Incentive must complete and submit a separate application.

Current application timing and deadline need confirmation.

Workforce Solutions Program Grant Application The Workforce Solutions Program helps eligible Chicago businesses train and upskill their workforce. Eligible training may include: Incumbent worker training On-the-job training (OJT) for new hires Leadership development Technology skills Workplace safety Other job-related trainings Program Basics Reimbursement grant covering up to 100% of eligible training costs Up to $250,000 per business Businesses pay costs upfront and are reimbursed after project completion Administered by Employment & Employer Services (E&ES) on behalf of the City of Chicago Funding & Review Funding comes from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Housing & Economic Development (HED) Bond proceeds: TIF projects: reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis Bond projects: reviewed competitively, with application and review cycles You do not need to determine your funding source. Program staff will route you to the appropriate application after submission of the Pre-Application Intake form. Bond 2026 Funding Cycles Quarter Opens Closes Q1 Feb 1, 2026 Mar 2, 2026 Q2 Apr 1, 2026 Apr 30, 2026 Q3 Jul 1, 2026 Jul 30, 2026 Q4 Oct 1, 2026 Oct 30, 2026 Important to Know Funding is limited and varies by location Applying early improves your chances Eligible applicants not funded in a given cycle will be invited to apply in a future round How the Application Process Works This is a two-step application process. Step 1: Pre-Application Intake Form - You will submit basic information about your business and training needs. Step 2: Full Application - After you submit the Pre-Application Intake form, program staff will review your business address to determine the appropriate funding source. If eligible, you will receive a follow-up email with a link to the full application. If it is determined that your project is ineligible, you will be notified via email, with the option for a deficiency letter upon request. Submitting this form does not mean you have com

Current application timing and deadline need confirmation.

Current application timing and deadline need confirmation.

The City of Chicago Large Grant Application must be submitted to request funding in excess of $5,000,000, from the Department of Planning & Development, for real estate development and construction (capital) projects. Those seeking a Cook County Property Tax Incentive must complete and submit a separate application.

Current application timing and deadline need confirmation.