Designing a Better Chicago
Chicago Eco House/Southside Blooms, 2022 Grant Recipient
Designing a Better Chicago
Grant Program
In 2020, the Design Museum of Chicago partnered with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and NeoCon to start the Designing a Better Chicago (DBC) grant program with the aim of providing vital funds to local individuals and organizations that use design to address challenges in communities across the City of Chicago. DBC expanded in 2024 with the addition of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation introducing a new award category supporting built environment projects.
Over six years, DBC has awarded 13 awards totaling $200,000. This program elevates the visibility of Chicago’s design legacy, assets, talent and community, creates healthy urban environments, and supports civic good through design.
Prior Grantees
alt_ Redemptive Plastics
Aram Han Sifuentes
Center for Native Futures
Chicago Eco House / Southside Blooms
Chicago Mobile Makers
The Chicago Tool Library
Common Worlds Playscapes
Eric Hotchkiss
Floating Museum
Friedman Place
Global Garden Refugee Training Farm
SGA Youth Services
The Weaving Mill
In 2026, the DBC 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.
Design Impact Grant Mission
The purpose of the NeoCon: Design Impact grant is to provide annual, project-specific grants to individuals and organizations using design or design principles to directly address pressing issues in Chicago communities by improving public life. Awardees will benefit Chicago residents through projects intended for the greater good.
Built Environment Grant Mission
The purpose of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment grant is to prioritize preserving Chicago's historic architecture and protecting its parks and open spaces. Awardees celebrate and preserve the unique character of its neighborhood design or design principles to directly address pressing issues in Chicago communities.
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.
Learn more about the grant guidelines, the application timeline, and how to submit a nomination below.
Questions? Please contact us at grants@designchicago.org