This is the online application to apply for a grant through the Northalsted Emergency Window Board-Up Services Grant. This grant is funded in part by the Northalsted Business Alliance and City of Chicago Special Service Area (SSA) #18. If you have any questions while completing this application, email [email protected] or call 773-883-0500.
Program Guidelines
1. Description
The Northalsted Emergency Window Board Up Services Grant (the “Program”) was created and approved by the Northalsted Business Alliance and the Northalsted Special Service Area 18 (“SSA 18”) Commission in emergency response to rioting and looting during Cook County’s disaster proclamation. The Program is administered by the Northalsted Business Alliance (“Chamber”). The goal of the Program is to provide funding to businesses wanting to secure their storefronts and provide enhanced protection through emergency board up services. This grant is intended to assist businesses for services beginning May 31, 2020 through the end of the disaster proclamation.
Applicants that meet all Program requirements located within SSA #18 outlined in this application may receive a one time grant of $250 per twenty-five (25) linear feet of storefront. Member businesses of the Northalsted Business Alliance (the chamber of commerce) will be eligible for an additional $250 per twenty-five (25) linear feet of storefront. This means that businesses located within the SSA #18 service boundaries and that are member businesses of the Northalsted Business Alliance will be eligible for $500 per twenty-five (25) linear feet of storefront. Due to the evolving nature of the current situation and its impacts on businesses, the SSA 18 Commission reserves the right to implement additional Eligibility Requirements as it deems reasonable, and change or end the program at any time.
2. Eligible Applicants
- Applicants must be located on the following SSA 18 service area corridors:
- Halsted Street (Belmont to Grace)
- Broadway (Grace to Irving Park)
- Clarendon Avenue – West Side (Broadway to Irving Park)
- Applicants may only seek this grant for the below measures that are used to secure their business:
- Window board up services
- Protective measures designed to secure windows and/or doors
- Applicants must be the entity paying for the project.
- Applicants must comply with all requirements and deadlines set forth in these Guidelines and Application and respond to any questions in a timely manner.
3. Eligible Projects
Applicants may apply to receive a grant for the payment of window board up services. The Commission reserves the right to reject any questionable estimates, as well as implement such additional Program rules and regulations as it deems reasonable as well as request proof of consultant services.
Additional conditions that may determine Program eligibility are outlined below.
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- Applicants may only use funds for securing business located within the SSA 18 service boundaries.
- Projects must meet Program guidelines and are subject to review by the SSA 18 Commission.
- Member businesses in good standing of the Northalsted Business Alliance will be eligible for additional funding.
Applicants or projects that are not eligible to receive a grant include:
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- Businesses not located within the SSA 18 service boundaries.
4. Grant Amounts
Applicants that meet all Program requirements outlined in this document may receive a grant of up to $250 of eligible costs per twenty-five (25) linear feet of storefront. Grants are awarded only after the applicant is approved by the SSA 18 Board of Commissioners and all required documentation has been submitted to the Chamber. In case applications exceed current funding, the SSA 18 Commission and the Northalsted Business Alliance will ensure fair and impartial distribution of grants by employing a lottery system to determine funding order and creating a waitlist for funding should it become available. The SSA 18 Board of Commissioners may award a grant at an amount less than the allowable maximum.
Member businesses of the Northalsted Business Alliance will also be eligible for an additional $250 per twenty-five (25) linear feet of storefront funded from the chamber of commerce bringing the total to $500 per twenty-five (25) linear feet.
5. Application Process
Applications are subject to review and approval by the SSA 18 Board of Commissioners and a business shall only be awarded a grant once, subject to funding availability. To apply for a grant applicants must complete the following online application with a list of receipts and written explanation of expenses. Completed applications will be reviewed on the 1st and 15th day of each month, or closest corresponding business day if those dates land on a weekend or holiday. In case applications exceed current funding, the SSA 18 Commission and the Northalsted Business Alliance will ensure fair and impartial distribution of rebates by employing a lottery system to determine funding order and creating a waitlist for funding should it become available. The SSA 18 Board of Commissioners may award a rebate at an amount less than the allowable maximum. Paper applications submitted via mail will not be considered eligible.
6. Review Process
Due to the sudden and pressing need to provide businesses with urgent relief, applications will forgo a formal SSA 18 Commission vote and will be reviewed and approved in writing by a minimum of two SSA 18 Commissioners. The SSA 18 Commissioners will review and accept or reject each completed application in their sole and absolute discretion, including determination as to which submitted projects meet the Program guidelines. Upon receipt of application, the SSA 18 Commissioners will have five business business days to review and issue inquiries related to the application. Once applicants respond to all inquiries in full, the SSA 18 Commissioners will issue their final decision to applicants via email.
7. Project Implementation
Applicants may submit expenses beginning May 31, 2020. Work must be completed in accordance with the program guidelines and must meet the criteria of qualifying expenses.
8. Grant Request and Distribution
Once the project has been completed, the applicant must request the grant by submitting the following documentation as part of their application:
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- Proof of payment, such as paid invoices or credit card receipts, showing work has been paid for.
- Photos of completed services provided.
A grant check will be processed within 30 days following approval of application.