Reclaim Fund
Buying back the block together
The Reclaim Fund provides funding for ethical land development, shared ownership models, and arts and culture initiatives.
Frontline communities are stronger if they own the places where they live.
Resourcing future community sovereignty
Community-led ownership and movement work go hand in hand, and both benefit from investments that provide greater community control, safety and ultimately sovereignty. The Reclaim Fund’s goal is to build a bridge between frontline communities and ethical, community-led economic development in and near Chicago’s industrial corridors.
A staged approach
Support every step of the way
To be successful, community-led projects in frontline communities require a distinct ecosystem of aligned partners who can provide readiness support throughout the pre-development phases. As projects progress in their development, the Reclaim Fund also offers incubation opportunities through financial and non-financial support. Every step of the journey, we work alongside organizations as a connector, advisor and investor as they step into community-led development.
Early stage support
Readiness and project planning
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Technical Assistance
Through a cohort model, we provide technical assistance in the areas of real estate acquisition and capital readiness, shared ownership models, brownfield remediation, and worker co-ops.
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Coaching
Cohort participants also receive professional coaching aimed at supporting organizations and leaders to build their confidence to lead complex projects that may include various forms of capital.
Growth stage support
Project incubation and integrated capital
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Owning land and building the places we desire
CFF provides planning and pre-development grants from $25,000 to $100,000 to projects that have achieved site control. Funds can also be used by grantees to access environmental remediation, legal, business development, and engineering expertise.
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Controlling the places we work
Grants of up to $25,000 to support shared economy business and worker cooperatives to grow the green economy. Funding supports purchase of equipment or property, education and engagement campaigns, legal and operational support, and technical assistance.
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Seeing ourselves in our neighborhoods
In frontline communities, many areas are inaccessible, abandoned and unwelcoming to neighbors. The work of artists and cultural workers is essential to transforming these areas into spaces that welcome community building and economic development. Our strategy for community investment, placekeeping and community control includes support for public, community engaged art through the E(art)H artist residency and funding for public art projects centering environmental justice, local memory, and climate themes.
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Protecting our collective future
In future years CFF will form a Frontlines Land Trust to purchase and hold properties in changing industrial corridors and protect them from unethical developers and polluting industries. A mix of grants and low interest loans will be deployed to select projects at an advanced stage of development.
Become a donor partner
We believe in building transformative and productive relationships with our donor partners. Whether it is moving funding to meet immediate issue-based needs, or working together to strategically resource long-term community visions, our team is committed to donor partnerships that are lasting and impactful. Interested in learning more about the many ways to partner with Chicago Frontlines Fund? Email Uzma Noormohamed.
Frontline Stories
Our grantees have a vision and are building their future. Their stories show us what’s possible when communities are organized and well-resourced.
