Special Service Area 31’s Commercial Corridor Activation Grant is designed to support local businesses along Ravenswood Avenue (Wilson to Lawrence) and Clark Street (Montrose to Ainslie) that are experiencing construction-related disruptions.
This program encourages businesses and community groups to develop creative, high-quality events and activations that will draw foot traffic to the area and highlight the vibrancy of the Ravenswood neighborhood during and after the 2025 construction season.
Program Details
Funded through SSA 31, this micro-grant program offers awards of up to $2,000 per project, with a total fund of $5,000 available. Preference will be given to businesses, organizations, and individuals that reside within the boundaries of SSA 31.
Program Guidelines
Commercial Corridor Activation Grant funds may be applied to initiatives such as:
- Special Events & Festivals
- Ongoing Programming (i.e. performance series or continuing education)
- Neighborhood Services
- Marketing Campaigns
Funds may be used to offset the costs of:
- Marketing/Promotion
- Supplies/Materials
- Stipend for Artists/Performers, Experts/Educators, etc.
Commercial Corridor Activation Grant funds may NOT be used to fund:
- Purchase, Sale, or Distribution of Alchohol or Cannabis
- Profit Margin (in other words, if in the absence of SSA support, the initiative would only break even)
- Staffing or Operating Expenses
- Fundraisers that directly benefit your organization
Eligibility
Any business, organization, or individual that will be providing services, events, or activities within SSA 31 is eligible to apply for this grant. Preference will be given to businesses, organizations, and individuals that reside within the SSA boundaries. Click here to view the boundaries of Special Service Area 31.
Applicants that meet all the requirements outlined may receive a grant of up to $2,000 for their project. Businesses and organizations are eligible for one Commercial Corridor Activation Grant per year. Limited funding is available. Due to the volume of applications we anticipate receiving, SSA 31 may award a grant at an amount less than the allowable maximum, or no grant at all. Initiatives that receive funding must take place in 2025.
Application Process & Requirements
To apply for the Commercial Corridor Activation Grant, you must complete the application form. Application forms may be submitted via an online form or downloaded and submitted to via email to SSA staff. Once recieved, applications are reviewed by the SSA 31 Commission. If your application is approved, you will be notified with an formal approval letter.
If funding is awarded, grants will be paid in two installments: one to be paid prior to the event date or start of programming, and the remaining amount paid after a successful review of a Post-Event Report.
Awardees will be required to include the Ravenswood SSA 31 logo in any print or web materials promoting the sponsored initiative.
Please note that SSA 31 reserves the right to reject any questionable budget estimates, as well as implement additional program rules and regulations as it deems reasonable. Please be prepared to submit copies of appropriate permits, approvals, invoices, and receipts if requested. This policy is subject to change at any time and will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it is achieving the goals of SSA 31.
Post-Event Report
All Commercial Corridor Activation Grant recipients must complete a Post-Event Report to receive full payment. You can submit your Post-Event Report here.
The due date for the completion of your Post-Event Report will be determined along with the awarded amount and stated in the letter received with your initial funding. (This date is typically 30 days after the end of your program but may vary.)
Ready to Apply?
Click here to submit your application using our online form. Applications may also be download as a document, completed, and submitted via email to gene@ravenswoodchicago.org.
For questions about SSA 31’s Commercial Corridor Activation Grant, please contact:
Gene Wagendorf III
Executive Director
1770 W Berteau Ave, Suite 101
gene@ravenswoodchicago.org
(773) 975-2088
