Trust Awards $6 Million to Chicago Neighborhood Projects

Six community-led development projects in five Chicago neighborhoods will share nearly $6 million in grants from the Neighborhood Capital Fund.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy

Trust Awards $6 Million to Chicago Neighborhood Projects

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The Chicago Community Trust announced November 2 that six community-led development projects will receive nearly $6 million in grants. The projects are located in Austin, Englewood, Little Village, North Lawndale and West Garfield Park.

Why it matters

The grants aim to bring new businesses, health care services, jobs and other essential resources to Chicago neighborhoods that have historically struggled to attract investment. The Neighborhood Capital Fund supports projects shaped by local leadership rather than relying exclusively on outside developers.

The Chicago Community Trust awarded nearly $6 million across six projects, led by $1.5 million for the Austin HOPE Center and $1.3 million for The Re-Up. The planned Austin HOPE Center is 25,000 square feet and the Dreamville Campus is 20,000 square feet, and the source does not give completion dates for either.

The players

The Chicago Community Trust

A community foundation that awards grants to nonprofit organizations addressing needs across the Chicago region.

Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives

A Chicago community development organization receiving $1.5 million for the Austin HOPE Center.

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago

A Chicago organization focused on reducing violence in neighborhoods, receiving $1.25 million for its Peace Campus project.

The details

Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives will receive $1.5 million for the Austin HOPE Center, which is planned to expand access to pediatric specialty care and behavioral health services. The Resident Association of Greater Englewood will receive $1.3 million for The Re-Up, while Dion's Chicago Dream will receive $800,000 for the Dreamville Campus, intended to expand access to fresh food and create local jobs. Other grants include $1.25 million to the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago for its Peace Campus, $800,000 to the Little Village Chamber of Commerce for El Centro, and $325,000 to New Covenant Community Development Corporation to complete its Business Innovation Center.

November 2, 2026: The Chicago Community Trust announced the grants.

Neighborhood Capital Fund Pattern

The six grants extend the Neighborhood Capital Fund's model of funding projects that turn vacant and underused properties into community spaces. The awards follow that same approach by directing money to locally led efforts in five Chicago neighborhoods.

Residents in Austin, Englewood, Little Village, North Lawndale and West Garfield Park may see new health care, food access, business and violence-prevention services arrive as these projects are built out. The source does not specify when each service will open to the public.

The takeaway

Community-led projects with local leadership are receiving sizable foundation support to bring services and jobs into neighborhoods that have had limited investment. Residents can watch for openings of the Austin HOPE Center and Dreamville Campus as the funded work moves forward.