Canopy Connection: Oak Park's Neighborhood Network
Canopy Connection is designed to strengthen connections between residents, neighborhood groups and local government. Led by the Village of Oak Park’s Neighborhood Partnerships Division, the program supports neighborhood groups that bring residents together, share information and build stronger connections at the block and neighborhood level.
Registered neighborhood groups gain access to Village resources, communication tools and funding opportunities that support neighborhood engagement, leadership development and community building.
Find Your Neighborhood
Start by exploring the interactive Canopy Connection Neighborhood Map below to find your neighborhood group:
Don't see your neighborhood?
If you do not see a neighborhood group in your area, you may have the opportunity to start one. Continue below to learn how the program works and what steps are involved.
Explore current registered neighborhood groups
How the program works
Canopy Connection follows a structured approach to help neighborhood groups form, organize, and grow over time.
Step 1: Get Organized
Residents begin by connecting with neighbors and forming a neighborhood group. This includes identifying group leaders and building interest among residents.
Step 2: Define Your Neighborhood
Each group represents a defined geographic area within Oak Park. Neighborhood boundaries help ensure that groups are organized at a scale that allows residents to meaningfully connect with one another.
Step 3: Connect with the Neighborhood Partnerships Team
Before registering, residents work with the Neighborhood Partnerships team to review their proposed neighborhood, confirm program expectations and determine next steps, including appropriate tier placement.
See Program Tiers below for more information.
Step 4: Stay Active
Registered neighborhoods maintain active status through annual renewal, regular engagement activities and ongoing coordination with the Neighborhood Partnerships Division. Full requirements are outlined in the Canopy Connection Guidelines(PDF, 133KB).
Program Tiers
Canopy Connection includes three tiers of participation based on a group’s level of organization and activity. Tier placement is determined in coordination with the Neighborhood Partnerships Division, and groups may grow into higher tiers over time as participation and capacity increase.
Acorn Tier
For neighborhoods getting started
The Acorn tier supports newly formed neighborhood groups that are beginning to organize residents and establish neighborhood connections.
Support includes:
- Guidance from the Neighborhood Partnerships Division
- Inclusion on the Canopy Connection neighborhood map
- Access to Village communication tools and resources
Grant Opportunity:
Neighborhood Development Grant (up to $750 per fiscal year)
Sapling Tier
For growing and more established groups
The Sapling tier supports neighborhood groups with increasing participation and resident engagement.
Support includes:
- Marketing and communications consultation with Village staff
- One facilitated neighborhood engagement session each year
- Opportunities to collaborate with Village departments on neighborhood priorities
Grant Opportunity
Neighborhood Activation Grant (up to $1,500 per fiscal year)
Mighty Oak Tier
For highly active and organized neighborhoods
The Mighty Oak tier supports neighborhood groups with strong participation and leadership capacity.
Support includes:
- Additional communications and outreach support
- Up to two facilitated neighborhood engagement sessions annually
- Opportunities to lead larger neighborhood initiatives
Grant Opportunity
Neighborhood Impact Grant (up to $2,500 per fiscal year)
Matching funds are required for grant awards exceeding $1,500.
Benefits of participating
Registered neighborhood groups benefit from Village support that helps strengthen local connections and community engagement.
Program benefits may include:
- Eligibility for Neighborhood Grants (more information coming soon)
- Support and guidance from the Neighborhood Partnerships Division
- Inclusion on the Village’s Canopy Connection neighborhood map
- Promotion through Village communication channels
- Resources and tools for organizing neighborhood events and activities
- Opportunities to collaborate with other neighborhood groups
Ready to get started?
Interested in starting or registering a neighborhood group? Connect with the Neighborhood Partnerships Division to begin the process.
Neighborhood Partnerships staff will work with you to:
- Define neighborhood boundaries
- Determine the appropriate tier
- Review program expectations
- Guide you through the registration process
To get started, email: NeighborConnect@oak-park.us
Frequently asked questions
What is a neighborhood group?
A neighborhood group is an organized group of residents who work together to build connections within their neighborhood and organize activities such as block gatherings, neighborhood meetings or community projects.
Neighborhood groups help strengthen relationships among residents and serve as a bridge between the community and the Village.
Do I need to form a nonprofit to participate?
No. Neighborhood groups participating in Canopy Connection do not need to be incorporated as nonprofits. The program is designed to support resident-led neighborhood engagement.
Is there a fee for registering my neighborhood group?
No, there is no cost to participate in the Canopy Connection Neighborhood Registry.
How large does a neighborhood need to be?
Neighborhood groups should represent a defined geographic area that allows residents to meaningfully connect with one another. Specific requirements for neighborhood scale and boundaries are outlined in the Canopy Connection Guidelines(PDF, 133KB).
Can an existing block club or neighborhood association apply?
Yes. Existing neighborhood groups, block clubs or resident organizations may apply to become registered through the Canopy Connection program if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
How do neighborhood groups receive funding?
Eligible registered neighborhoods may apply for Neighborhood Grants to support engagement activities, leadership development, and community initiatives.
How do I find my neighborhood group?
Residents can use the Canopy Connection neighborhood map on this page to locate their neighborhood group and find contact information for neighborhood leaders.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Residents can contact the Neighborhood Partnerships Division for assistance.
Email: NeighborConnect@oak-park.us
Village staff is available to answer questions, help residents start a neighborhood group or connect residents with an existing neighborhood organization.