CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Sixty-one neighborhood businesses and nonprofit organizations across Chicago will receive nearly $40 million in the third round of Community Development Grants.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined other city leaders at the South Shore Cultural Center Wednesday afternoon to congratulate the awardees.
"Each of you in your own way are contributing greatly to Chicago's economic recovery," Lightfoot said. "And we cannot thank you enough for standing up and taking charge of change in your communities."
The grants, part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, are aimed at providing post-pandemic relief by investing in local businesses and nonprofits.
"From restaurants to theaters to cafes, these finalists represent the future of Chicago neighborhoods and the amenities that make them so special," Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox said. "In addition to their grant awards, each recipient will receive concierge services from City staff to help make their dreams come true."
Grants range from $12,000 to $5 million and will go toward workplace improvements, new construction and other economic development, which is expected to be completed in the next 18 to 24 months.
One recipient is TikTok historian and Auburn Gresham native Sherman 'Dilla' Thomas, who plans to use the money to open a storefront for his company, Mahogany Tours Chicago.
"We're going to show that there's tourism to be seen in all of our neighborhoods, not just downtown," Thomas said. "And we're gonna take kids from every single Chicago neighborhood, and we're going to show them why every single thing dope about this country comes from Chicago."
All three rounds of grants this year totaled roughly $123 million for more than 160 finalists.
The full list of finalists and grant amounts is available on the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Chicago Recovery Plan website.
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