Applications For Special Service Area 27 Community Events & Placemaking Grant Program Now Open

Grant applications are now open for the annual Community Events & Placemaking Grant program through Sunday, March 1.

Funded by SSA 27 and administered by the Chamber, the grant program provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance and technical support for unique events and projects taking place in the Lakeview neighborhood. The program, now in its 9th year, was designed to provide support and funding for organizations or individuals planning special events, ongoing public programming and creative placemaking activities.

“The Community Events & Placemaking Grant Program is an important tool for supporting innovative programming in Lakeview,” said Robert Morvay, Community Development and SSA 27 Director, Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. “By offering both financial assistance and technical support, we’re helping organizers turn strong ideas into successful events that benefit businesses, residents and visitors across SSA 27.”

The Community Events & Placemaking Grant Program supports programming within the SSA 27 boundaries on the primary business corridors of Southport, Lincoln, Belmont, and Ashland within West Lakeview, including the Low-Line Plazas located at the auxiliary exits of the Southport and Paulina CTA stations. These flexible outdoor spaces are ideal for pop-up markets, art showcases, and performances. Past grant recipients include Story7's International Pop-Down, Japanese Cultural Center's Ikebana Walk and Chicago International Film Festival's Opening Night Block Party.

To apply for a grant and receive consideration, applicants must complete and submit their application by March 1, 2026. More information and the application is available at lakeviewroscoevillage.org/community-events-grant.