QUALITY OF LIFE
NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT GRANT
The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant program is an initiative administered by the South East Chicago Commission (SECC). The SECC awards grants to neighborhood organizations that support beautification projects to enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and allow us to work together as community partners for the improvement of all our areas.
The program is designed to enhance the physical attractiveness of the Hyde Park-South Kenwood, North Kenwood-Oakland, Woodlawn, and Washington Park communities. Since 1999, SECC has collectively granted more than $1,000,000 in beautification funds. 2021 News Release
NEG PROJECTS
The SECC provided grant assistance to neighborhood block groups, community organizations, school groups, park advisory councils and other organized groups with their beautification projects. Proposed projects are required to:
- Be highly visible from the street
- Be completed within a four-month time frame
- 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
NEG SPECIAL PROJECTS
In 2020, the SECC received special funds to implement two special projects within a half mile Greenline CTA stations 51st Street, Garfield Blvd. or 63rd Street and Cottage Grove. If special funds become available, the SECC will offer two special projects near the specified Greenline CTA stations an additional $1,000 to conduct a walkability assessment near their project site.
NEG APPLICATION 2021
The SECC is excited to announce this year’s Neighborhood Enhancement Grant. Grant submissions are reviewed and considered based on the strength of the proposal and the breadth of potential community impact. View PRESS RELEASE.
Interested organizations should:
- Prepare all required files, photos, renderings, and details in advance.
- Submit the grant application online by Monday, May 3, 2021.
- Plan to complete projects between June 1, 2021 – September 1, 2021.
Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from the community.
Last year's 2020 Award Recipients
The grant selection committee, comprised of community members from the five footprint neighborhoods, selected eight (8) community groups for the strength of their proposals and the breadth of potential impact.
