Community Building Grant Program

• Registered neighborhood groups: Up to $5,000 per Village fiscal year (January 1-December 31).
• Nonprofit and other community organizations: Up to $5,000 once every two Village fiscal years.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are subject to available funding. Recipients must pay approved project expenses in full before requesting reimbursement.

Review the Community Building Grant Program Guidelines(PDF, 194KB)  for complete eligibility requirements, eligible and ineligible expenses, and reimbursement procedures.

Eligible applicants include registered Canopy Connection neighborhood groups in good standing, nonprofit organizations serving Oak Park residents and other community organizations serving Oak Park residents. All applicants must demonstrate a clear public or community benefit.

Neighborhood groups must operate within defined neighborhood boundaries, demonstrate resident participation and engagement and maintain active status in Canopy Connection. Nonprofit and other community organizations must serve Oak Park residents or directly benefit the Oak Park community and demonstrate the capacity to complete the proposed project.

Businesses and for-profit entities, political organizations or campaigns, taxing bodies and government agencies, individuals applying independently and organizations proposing projects that primarily provide private benefit are not eligible.

• Organizational formation or administrative costs directly related to project implementation, such as incorporation or filing fees
• Outreach and communications, including printing, mailers, translation, marketing and digital engagement
• Community events, gatherings and neighborhood activation activities
• Beautification, placemaking and community improvement initiatives
• Leadership development, facilitation and volunteer engagement
• Community surveys, outreach and engagement activities
• Strategic planning, visioning and organizational capacity building
• Educational, cultural and civic participation initiatives
• Materials and supplies directly related to the approved project

Village staff may review additional proposed expenses for eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Review the Program Guidelines for the complete list of ineligible uses, including alcohol, resident or member compensation, political activity and expenses incurred before grant approval.

1. Contact our team to get started

Contact the Neighborhood Partnerships Division at NeighborConnect@oak-park.us to discuss your proposed project. Staff will review eligibility and program requirements, answer questions and provide application instructions for eligible projects.

2. Receive approval before incurring expenses

Applicants must receive project approval before incurring any expenses they intend to submit for reimbursement. Submitting an application does not constitute approval. 

3. Complete the approved project

Carry out the approved project and pay approved expenses in full. Obtain any required permits, licenses, approvals and insurance. Substantive changes to the approved project scope, budget,or activity require prior written approval from Neighborhood Services staff.

4. Submit reimbursement documentation

After project completion, submit itemized invoices, receipts, proof of payment and a summary describing project outcomes, participation and community impact. Photographs, materials or other documentation demonstrating completion may also be requested.

Village staff will review documentation for expense eligibility, consistency with the approved project and compliance with program requirements. Grant approval and submission of documentation do not guarantee full reimbursement. Ineligible, insufficiently documented or noncompliant expenses may be denied or reduced.

5. Receive reimbursement after verification

If the Village approves your reimbursement request, staff will coordinate completion of the Community Building Grant Program Agreement. Before payment can be issued, recipients must complete the agreement and satisfy the Organizational and Payment Requirements outlined below.

6. Receive reimbursement

Once the agreement and all payment requirements are complete, the Village will issue reimbursement for the approved amount.

The Village will not issue grant funds to individuals or personal bank accounts. Groups without formal nonprofit or legal organizational status may apply, but must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), establish a bank account in the organization's name and register as a Village vendor before reimbursement can be issued. These steps do not need to be completed before submitting an application.

All recipients must satisfy Village vendor and payment requirements. Reimbursement is paid only to the approved recipient through its registered Village vendor account. The recipient is responsible for distributing reimbursement to vendors, contractors, members, contributors or other third parties, as applicable. Grant awards may be subject to applicable tax reporting requirements.

The Neighborhood Partnerships Division can help you discuss project ideas, understand eligibility and reimbursement requirements, and prepare your application. Contact NeighborConnect@oak-park.us for assistance.

• Community Building Grant Program Guidelines(PDF, 194KB)
• How to Apply and Receive Reimbursement(PDF, 61KB)