If you don't have a lot of experience preparing a grant proposal...
Micro-Grants are for you!
What are Micro-Grants?
Small grants of $2,500 - $10,000 to create new or enhance existing youth out-of-school time programs in specific Chicago community areas.
View Mayor Brandon Johnson's statement regarding the Micro-Grant Program here: City of Chicago Mayor's Press Office
Which community areas are eligible?
Funding is for out-of-school time activities in these 15 community regions of Chicago:
Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Belmont Cragin, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, Garfield Park, Greater Englewood Area, Greater Grand Crossing, Greater Roseland Area, Humboldt Park, Little Village, North Lawndale, South Shore.
See more eligibility details on our Micro-Grants Eligibility Information page.
Who should apply?
These grants are meant especially for small, grassroots community-based organizations. All organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor are eligible and welcome to apply.
What are Micro-Grants for?
To help organizations give youth in their neighborhoods more opportunities for engagement and positive youth development.
What ages of youth can the grants serve?
Programs can serve youth from ages 6 through 24.
Can funding be used for a one-time event for youth?
Yes, funding can be used for a one-time event or multi-session program.
Do I have to prepare a budget?
Yes, the application includes a simple budget form for you to complete.
Is there a certain time my proposed program has to operate?
Yes. This funding is for out-of-schooltime programming. You should think about times when your community needs youth programming the most - high-risk hours for youth, or times of the year when there are fewer services for youth. For example, June and August tend to be times when youth are available but the fewest resources are available. Also, the period of performance for this program is from June - December 2024. Your program needs to operate and be completed within that timeframe.
Is this competitive funding?
Yes, you will be competing with organizations in your own community area. All areas have the same funding allocation.
When does the application open?
Friday, March 8, 2024 in the Submittable portal
When are proposals due?
April 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm Central Time
Where do I apply?
Navigate to our Apply for a Micro-Grant page and click SGA's MCMF Micro-Grant Program Application to be redirected to the application in the Submittable portal.
Or, go directly to SGA's Submittable page HERE.
Not convinced?
We want you to get this funding and we’re here to help.
The Micro-Grant application process includes:
- Webinar scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 at 1:00 pm Central Time. Attendance is recommended, but not required. View the webinar recording and FAQs on our Pre-Proposal Webinar and FAQs page
- Easy-to-use application
- Resources and technical support from Submittable
- Posted Questions and Answers because someone else probably has the same question!
- E-mail and phone support (youthmicrogrants@sga-youth.org)
Questions? Email us at youthmicrogrants@sga-youth.org
