The Pritzker Traubert Foundation believes that all Chicagoans should have equal access to economic opportunity. We partner with visionary leaders to implement their bold plans to connect talent to jobs, build an inclusive and growing economy, and strengthen communities in Chicago. Only when all our neighbors and neighborhoods thrive can Chicago reach its full potential.
The Chicago Prize demonstrates this approach through investment in community-led plans for neighborhood change. The Chicago Prize is based on a simple premise: Black and Brown communities on the South and West sides are home to entrepreneurs, residents, community organizations, and leaders who have the visions and talents to strengthen their communities. They are, and have been, diligently working on bringing their visions to life, but they do not always have enough access to the capital and resources that can enable their most ambitious plans to become realities. We believe these barriers not only keep each community from realizing its full potential – they undermine the strength of Chicago. Chicago’s neighborhoods deserve better. Chicagoans deserve better.
Chicago Prize 2022 will provide $10MM in capital to a collaborative community-led initiative that uses real estate development to produce significant economic impact – creating quality jobs, growing businesses, and increasing wealth for Black and Brown workers, entrepreneurs, and residents. Initiatives should have the catalytic potential to stimulate investments that can improve economic opportunity in and for the community. Chicago Prize 2022 will invest up to $5MM in planning, capacity-building, and other awards to help more teams move their projects forward.
The Pritzker Traubert Foundation is proud to announce Chicago Prize 2022 as part of a larger $30MM commitment to community development on the City’s South and West side over the next three years, and as part of our $100MM+ commitment to increase access to opportunity for more Chicagoans.
The Chicago Prize 2022 Application Portal opens on February 15 to give applicants time to learn more, consider participation, and a compile their application.
Visit the pages on this site to learn more about Chicago Prize 2022 process, connect with resources and perspectives, and meet our Advisors. Be sure to join the Chicago Prize 2022 network below to receive updates.
Click here to learn more about the application process
How to Apply