Cook County Announces Community Development Block Public Service and Emergency Solutions Grant Program Applications

Applications are now open for two programs that promote community and economic development throughout the County

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that applications are now open for the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) Public Service grants funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs.

“Making equitable investments in public service-focused economic development projects throughout the County has always been priority of my administration,” said President Preckwinkle. “CDBG and ESG funds play a critical role in that mission – these federal dollars provide resources to increase the capacity of local organizations to deliver critical services and support economic development throughout our region.”

Community Development Block Grant

For over 40 years, Cook County has administered the Community Development Block Grant program to support critical community development needs across suburban Cook County. DPD opened the CDBG public service/planning application today. In Program Year 2021, 48 CDBG Public Service Projects were awarded for $1,379,000, 3 CDBG Planning projects were awarded for $285,000, 5 Economic Development Microenterprise projects were awarded $584,000, and 17 ESG applicants were awarded grants totaling $881,906.

"Both social services and community development are essential components of the County’s work to build thriving communities," said Bureau of Economic Development Chief Xochitl Flores. "We hope to bridge boundaries and utilize federal resources to create equitable solutions for all suburban Cook County residents and businesses to thrive."

CDBG Public Service applications typically support the following types of activities:

• Projects that will lead to job creation
• Crime prevention and public safety
• Childcare
• Health services, substance abuse services (e.g., counseling and treatment)
• Fair housing counseling
• Education programs
• Energy conservation
• Services for senior citizens
• Services for people experiencing homelessness
• Welfare services (excluding income payments)
• Down payment assistance
• Recreational services

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides Cook County with these funds on an annual basis. Proposed uses of funds must align with Moving to Implementation, DPD’s five-year strategic plan that guides the use of these HUD resources.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides funding to:

• Engage individuals experiencing homelessness and families living on the street,
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness,
• Help operate these shelters,
• Provide essential services to shelter residents,
• Rapidly re-house individuals experiencing homelessness, and
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

ESG funds may be used for five program components: street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). 

Virtual Workshop + How to Apply

The application deadline for both programs is April 15, 2022 at 5 p.m. CST.

Under the CDBG Public Service/Planning and ESG programs, DPD will accept applications from units of government and nonprofit organizations.

DPD will host a virtual workshop on Tuesday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to provide more details about the programs and information on how to apply. Click here to attend.

Interested applicants can contact DPD to discuss potential projects to determine if CDBG would be a good fit by emailing info.edev@cookcountyil.gov. To view the application and application guide for both programs, visit Grant Applicants (CDBG & ESG). Cook County (cookcountyil.gov)