The Design Services Program provides Chicago-based nonprofits and community organizations with a range of design services to bring neighborhood projects to life. 

Applications for Cycle IV of the Design Services Program are now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of the opening of the next round of applications.

Check out the recording of our latest info session to learn more about the application process and eligibility. 

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PROGRAM GOALS

SUPPORT

community projects that align with our values of spatial equity and justice

SERVE

those who have not historically had access to design processes

CONTRIBUTE

to the readiness of community-led projects

ELIGIBILITY & SERVICES

Services provided include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Ideation & Visioning Processes

  • Community Planning & Engagement

  • Conceptual Design

  • Feasibility Studies

  • Programming and Space Planning

  • Site Analysis

  • Sustainability Strategies

  • Assistance with preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

The Design Services Program is available for community projects led by neighborhood organizations or groups. Eligible projects can be in different stages of development, from ideation and visioning to project development. 

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

TIMELINE

Applications are accepted twice a year, with the first round opening in May and the second round opening in November. Application deadlines are shared when each cycle opens.

LISTENING SESSIONS

After applications are received and reviewed, DTC connects with each applicant and schedule a 30-minute listening session. These sessions are an opportunity to discuss and learn more about the applicant's proposed project.  Final project selections are made following the listening sessions and up to two projects are selected each cycle.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Successful awardees submit projects that align with our mission and have greater social impact goals. Applicants should clearly illustrate feasibility as it relates to resources and implementation and be prepared to provide clarity around desired project goals and outcomes.

FEATURED AWARDEES

We have collaborated with various community organizations to support a range of impactful and dynamic community driven projects through the Design Services Program. Take a look at some of our successful partnerships to date.

Ezio Community Development Services

CYCLE I

Ezio Community Development Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on community development, economic development, and community engagement. We assisted the organization in the design of a single-family home in the Manningdale neighborhood of Joliet, IL and created a schematic design package for Ezio to use in their next phase of development. This project is part of a larger effort to establish a housing program that reinvigorates the Manningdale community and leads to long-term infrastructure improvements.

Free Spirit Media

CYCLE I

Free Spirit Media (FSM) is a community youth organization servicing the South and West sides of Chicago. We provided initial space planning and visioning for the organization’s transition to a new space in North Lawndale, establishing a new community hub for youth development. We also co-created a community engaged design process centering collaborative opportunities for facility improvement and developed design documents to assist FSM in securing project funding through city grants. With our support, FSM was awarded $45,000 from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) through the Together We Heal Creative Place Program (CPP).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • DTC will select up to two projects per application cycle.

  • Successful applications will go into as much detail as possible about the project and type of support needed. Applicants should do their best to clearly demonstrate a need for services as well as a plan of action for how they will continue to move the project forward with DTC’s involvement.

    DTC should be able to clearly understand when our involvement in the project will start and stop based on information communicated in the application. Community need and social impact will also be taken into consideration, so be sure to effectively articulate these elements of your project.

    Nonprofit organizations applying to the Design Services Program should also be prepared to show an EIN letter that proves they are a nonprofit.

  • Projects can be in different stages of development. We are able to support projects that do not have any concepts developed as well as those that have begun the initial planning and conceptualization process.

  • No. Neighborhood groups or collectives can also apply. The requirement is to have capacity as a project liaison and demonstrate strong community relationships and presence.

  • The Design Services Program will kick off with an initial interview to further understand the project and develop a scope of work for DTC to provide support. DTC will develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) based on the Scope of Services agreed upon by the community organization or group.

  • Absolutely! Be sure to submit your application at the opening of each application cycle, even if you have previously submitted it.