Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 26: Building Opportunity, Block by Block
From 2021 to 2025, We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery (We Rise Together), a funder collaborative led by The Chicago…
Neighborhood Capital Fund
A pooled fund that provides grants to support real estate developments in underinvested neighborhoods supporting a stronger region for all.
Photo: Back of the Yards Coffee Co. Credit: @done.by.design.
What is the Neighborhood Capital Fund?
The Neighborhood Capital Fund is a funders collaborative led by The Chicago Community Trust that is bringing new amenities and economic opportunities to residents by supporting much-needed development in underinvested communities. The fund provides streamlined, late-stage real estate capital grants for brick-and-mortar projects to help complete their capital financing and move to and through construction.
Elements of the Neighborhood Capital Fund
Three elements sum up what makes this initiative catalytic and unique.
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Hyperlocal: The goal of the new fund is to support community-led real estate opportunities located within a half-mile of recent economic development to continue momentum.
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Late-stage Funding: The fund is providing capital for projects that have raised more than 75% of the resources needed so that they can start construction.
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Collaborative Philanthropy: By pooling funds from multiple donors, we are able to make investments in multiple projects at the same time for exponential impact.
RFP Open:
Late-Stage Capital Projects
By supporting developments shaped by community priorities and participation, the Neighborhood Capital Fund seeks to catalyze clustered investment, generate jobs, expand local services and amenities, and improve overall quality of life.
RFP Release: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Project Scope Form Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026
Full Application Deadline: Saturday, January 30, 2027
Funding Decision: June 2027
Announcement: June/July 2027
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Neighborhood Capital Fund Fuels South and West Side Corridor Revitalization
Underinvestment has limited economic mobility and contributed to higher rates of poverty across Chicago’s South and West sides. Combined with depopulation, it has…
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Nearly $8 Million in Grants Will Support Nine Real Estate Projects in Underinvested Neighborhoods
Community-led projects will bring much needed amenities, services and economic opportunities—including health services, youth programs, workforce training, fresh food, and more—to underinvested neighborhoods…
Donate Today
We know of dozens more worthy projects that have raised most of their financing and, with funding from the Neighborhood Capital Fund, will be poised for construction. The Trust is committed to maintaining the relationships and knowledge needed to maintain a pipeline of projects and match ready projects with the resources needed to get to and through construction.
Lead Donors
Our Work
The Trust brings together generous donors, committed organizations, and caring residents to effect lasting change that makes our region better for all.
Learn MorePartnerships & Initiatives
Through the years, the Trust has created many types of initiatives to help our region—and its foundations, businesses, civic leaders, and individuals—most effectively engage with the issues they care about.
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