CHICAGO (April 1, 2021) – The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is excited to announce a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2021 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program. While our nation, our city, and our communities continue to suffer during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic aftermath, SECC believes this is a great time for communities to come together to create spaces and resources in our South Side neighborhoods.
SECC extends a special thanks to last year’s sponsors: the Elizabeth Louise Smith Fund, the Chicago Department of Public Health with project support from the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC), Hyde Park Bank, A Wintrust Bank, and the Hyde Park Kenwood Community Conference’s Garden Committee.
The SECC offers Neighborhood Enhancement Grants to 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 more than $1,000,000 collectively to neighborhood schools, faith-based and community organizations, park advisory councils, and block groups to support neighborhood beautification projects! The SECC is excited to resume making grants for 2021 on our normal timeline.
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. Applications for the 2021 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant are now being accepted. Grant awards are based upon the proposed project, with a maximum grant amount of $4,000 per organization.