2026 DBC Grant Guidelines
Chicago Mobile Makers, 2020 Grant Recipient
2026 Designing a Better Chicago Grant Guidelines
The DBC program will host two awards this year: 1) the NeoCon: Design Impact Award, recognizing individuals or organizations using design for civic good and related programming in Chicago and 2) the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment Award, supporting leaders working to bring significant long-term impacts to Chicago communities and neighborhoods.
Grant amounts will be between $10,000 and $25,000. In 2026, DBC will award $50,000 in sum total — $25,000 in the Design Impact category, and an additional $25,000 in the Built Environment category. We anticipate awarding 2–4 grants based on the quality of applications.
This is an invitation-only grant program. To be considered to apply for either award, an individual or organization must first be nominated. Nominations will be accepted through February 15, 2026 by 11:59pm. We accept self-nominations. Read the full grant guidelines and process below.
Learn more about past grantees and the history of the DBC program here.
Who is eligible:
Individuals who are at least 18 years old and who live or work in the City of Chicago.
Non-profit organizations with the majority of their programs/services taking place in the City of Chicago.
Individuals and for-profit entities are eligible, but may need to pay taxes on any successful grant funds.
Projects use design or design principles to address a challenge or issue in a Chicago community. Past projects have focused on education, environment conditions, housing, public safety, health and wellbeing, and diversity. Other focus areas will be considered as long as there is a clear understanding of the design principles used in the project. Read more about previous winners here.
Types of projects we are looking for:
"Design" is broadly defined. As you consider projects and ideas for this grant proposal, we thought it might be helpful to frame up our perspective.
For the purposes of DBC, design is:
A set of problem-solving tools and/or strategies that address and solve problems to advance civic good, and
The manipulation of form, function, and content within a specific context.
Design is not:
Simply illumination of (or advocacy for) an issue without its advancement.
Public art that doesn't address an underlying problem or strategy.
Constrained to any specific medium or discipline.
Projects must have these elements:
Projects can be new (starting in calendar year 2026) or ongoing;
Projects must be design-oriented or must leverage design or design principles in its approach;
Project can be anything from a physical project to an in person program to a digital tool that improves public life or public space;
There must be a clearly defined and measurable impact on a targeted audience; and
Project must be located or realized within Chicago city limits
We strongly encourage projects that:
Make a lasting, positive impact on your community (ideally beyond 2026).
Are broadly accessible.
Are socially-engaged and sustainable.
We welcome projects that:
Are a first-time collaboration between individuals or organizations.
Push an existing body of work in a new direction.
We recognize that making change takes time and welcome applications to support both new and ongoing projects. We do not expect immediate success and recognize the uncertainty of planning in the current moment. Projects are eligible as long as funding from a possible DBC grant is used by December 31, 2027. Timelines and deliverables noted in the application will be reviewed for realistic progress towards short- and long-term goals. Successful applicant demonstrate measurable ways to track project impact.
Process:
Step 1: Nomination
We are looking for people who are designing a better Chicago in one of two categories: Design Impact & Built Environment. Nominations are required for this invitation-only program. You may nominate yourself, a peer, friend, or mentor — anyone that lives or works in the City of Chicago.
Step 2: Letter of Intent
An Advisory Committee which includes experts in design, art, business, and civic ventures will review nominations and invite approximately 50 nominees to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Guidelines for the LOIs will be shared with nominees upon notification.
Step 3: Full application
Approximately 25 nominees will be invited to submit full applications. Applications will be shared with nominees upon notification. Winners will be selected by the Advisory Committee in late Spring 2026.
Successful awardees will be expected to participate in public programming during NeoCon in June 2026.
Timeline:
Nominations due: February 15, 2026 (by 11:59pm)
Invitations sent out to submit Letter of Intent: February 24, 2026
Letters of Intent due: March 11, 2026 (by 11:59pm)
Invitations sent out to submit full application: March 24, 2026
Applications due: April 16, 2026 (by 11:59pm)
Award notification: Week of May 4, 2026
FAQs:
How do I decide which grant program to apply for?
The program will host two awards: 1) the NeoCon: Design Impact Award, recognizing individuals or organizations using design for civic good and related programming in Chicago and 2) the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment Award, supporting leaders working to bring significant long-term impacts to Chicago communities and neighborhoods.
There is a shared application for both awards. Applicants will be asked to self-identify in the appropriate grant program to give the Advisory Committee a sense of the applicant’s intent, but all projects will be considered for both grants.
What criteria will the Advisory Committee use to evaluate applications?
To ensure an objective, efficient, and transparent evaluation process, the Designing a Better Chicago Advisory Committee will review applications against a standardized rubric. The rubric for the NeoCon: Design Impact Award is available here, and the rubric for the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment Award is available here.
Additional questions? Please contact us at grants@designchicago.org.