Power Building Grant Program

The Power Building Open Call is administered by the Cook County Department of Public Health, a local governmental agency responsible for advancing health equity and improving public health outcomes across suburban Cook County. This funding opportunity is part of the Building Healthier Communities initiative and is designed to strengthen grassroots organizing efforts that address systemic and structural contributors to mental health challenges, substance use, and social and emotional trauma. The program reflects CCDPH’s broader strategy to invest in upstream, community-driven solutions that improve health conditions through civic engagement, policy development, and community empowerment. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support community-based power building organizations that are actively engaged in base-building or organizing work within suburban Cook County communities. These organizations are expected to focus on structural determinants of health, including but not limited to social isolation, civic participation such as voter access, restorative justice practices, alcohol policy, criminal legal system reform, and labor-related policies like paid sick leave. The funding is specifically intended to support staff time dedicated to these activities, including community engagement, education, policy analysis, and training efforts. Funding is limited to a total pool of forty thousand dollars, with up to two organizations receiving awards for a three-month project period. Each organization may request up to forty thousand dollars. Funds may be used for allowable activities such as organizing campaigns, leadership development, and policy research. However, funds cannot be used for direct legislative advocacy, which is explicitly prohibited. The short performance period indicates a focus on rapid, targeted interventions or capacity-building initiatives rather than long-term program implementation. Eligibility is restricted to community-based power building organizations that are actively organizing in suburban Cook County. These organizations must be recognized as nonprofit entities with 501(c)(3) status. Applicants may submit joint proposals, but must designate a single organization to act as the fiscal agent. The definition of eligible organizations emphasizes those engaged in community organizing tied to a specific geography, population, identity group, or issue area. This ensures that funded efforts are grounded in community needs and led by organizations with established local relationships. The application process requires submission through an online form and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must upload a W-9 form, a Certificate of Good Standing from the State of Illinois, a completed program proposal using the required template, and a detailed program budget using the provided spreadsheet format. In addition, applicants must provide organizational and contact information and agree to post-award requirements such as attending regular check-in meetings, submitting monthly performance metrics, and participating in fiscal training or technical assistance sessions. Applications are accepted during a defined window from June 23, 2026 through July 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time. A virtual information session is scheduled for July 1, 2026 to provide guidance and answer applicant questions. CCDPH also offers a structured question-and-answer process, with deadlines for submitting inquiries and corresponding dates when responses will be posted publicly. All applications will be reviewed through a competitive evaluation process based on the strength of the proposal and alignment with program priorities.

Ensure strong alignment with structural health drivers and demonstrate clear community organizing impact; follow templates precisely and meet all document requirements