QUALITY OF LIFE
NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT GRANT
The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant program is an initiative administered by the South East Chicago Commission (SECC) and sponsored by the Elizabeth Louise Smith fund and Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC). 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 nearly $1,000,000 in beautification funds.
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
For 2020, in partnership with Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC), two special projects will be selected that are located within a ½ mile of the Greenline CTA stations at 51ST Street, Garfield or Cottage Grove.
Proposed projects are required to:
- Be implemented within a ½ mile radius of one of the eligible CTA stops
- Be aimed at improving walkability from the CTA stop to community-defined everyday destination(s)
- 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 APPLICATION 2020
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 Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
- Plan to complete projects between August 1, 2020 – November 1, 2020.
Each proposal will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from the community.
NEG 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.
