Available Programs
Browse the list below of available grants and other assistance programs that may be of benefit to our members. Contact the linked agencies to learn more about their programs.
Home Energy Savings Program
Chicago Bungalow Association in partnership with ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas
The Chicago Bungalow Association in partnership with ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, provide customers with free home energy services and improvements.
The program offers a free home energy assessment for your home and may include free weatherization services and installation of energy-saving products to help increase comfort, lower utility bills, and improve the value of your home.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Single-family home or two-flat
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Built at least 30 years ago
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Owner occupied
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If applying for a two-flat, both units must be inhabited, and the
building owner must occupy one unit.
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Located in Cook County (City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs)
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Not a previous Energy Savers Program participant
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Household income of 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or lower is required.
ComEd Energy Efficiency Program
ComEd®
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Rebates for ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances, heating and cooling systems, and smart thermostats
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Discounts on ENERGY STAR® qualified lightbulbs
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Energy saving tips and additional programs
Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program
Peoples Gas
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Rebates up to $600 for qualifying boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and programmable thermostats
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Energy saving tips and additional programs
Residential Solar Programs
Sunrun
Illinois is leading the nation in offering solar power incentives to homeowners through Illinois Solar for All (income restricted) and Illinois Shines (not income restricted)!
CEDA Services
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA)
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Utility bill assistance
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Home weatherization
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Furnace repair & replacement
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Family support
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Women, infants and children
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Housing services
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA)
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income households with paying their past due water and wastewater (sewer) bills. Interested residents living in the City of Chicago can contact CEDA at 800-571-2332 for more information or to start the process.
Lead Service Line Replacement Program
City of Chicago
Two lead service line replacement programs for homeowners who would like to replace their lead service lines.
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
City of Chicago
Voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, taking advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. Applications taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Emergency Heating Repair Program
City of Chicago
The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides grants to eligible owner-occupants of one to four-unit residential buildings to assist them with emergency heating system repairs during the winter season. The average grant is $7,000.
Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors
City of Chicago
The Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) program provides enabling devices to one to four-unit residences occupied by low-and moderate income seniors who are at least 60 years of age.
Home Repair Program
City of Chicago
Formerly known as the Roof and Porch Repair Program, the Home Repair Program (HRP) expanded to include remediation of environmental health hazards and accessible repairs for eligible applicants for calendar years 2021 and 2022. Grants will be provided under grant agreements with homeowners for rehabilitation or repair services up to $24,999.
Additional Dwelling Unit Pilot Program
City of Chicago
The Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Pilot Program supports homeowners in acquiring additional income or to more easily age in place by adding one additional unit to their property.
Home Repair Loans
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Affordable, fixed-rate home improvement loans for large or small needs through an Illinois state-licensed, nonprofit mortgage lender.
Critical Home Improvement Program (CHIP)
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
The Critical Home Improvement Program (CHIP) provides eligible homeowners with up to $15,000 in health and safety home repairs in Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park, Chatham, Englewood, and Greater Grand Crossing. Eligible home repairs include – but are not limited to – roofs, windows, entryways, porches, masonry; and interior health and safety improvements, including repairs to heating, electrical and plumbing systems.
Home Improvement Loan Program
Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program
Members of SWHEAP are eligible to apply for special no-to low-interest loans to repair or remodel their homes.
Home Improvement Loan Program
Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program
Members of NWHEAP are eligible to apply for special no-to low-interest loans to repair or remodel their homes.
Targeted Home Improvement Grant
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Covers exterior home repairs. To qualify, you must have an owner-occupied residential property (1 to 4 dwelling units) in one of the City of Chicago’s 10 MMRP Target Areas or the Woodlawn or North Lawndale Community Areas.
Tax Increment Finance Purchase Rehab Program
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
The Tax Increment Finance Purchase Rehab (TIFPR) program is a City of Chicago initiative which uses Tax Increment Finance (TIF) funding as a forgivable loan to purchase and rehab vacant 1-4-unit residential properties within active TIF districts that have allocated money to be used for this purpose.
MMRP Purchase Assistance Grant
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
The MMRP Purchase Assistance Grant provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance for the purchase of a home in one of the City of Chicago’s 11 Micro Market Recovery Program (MMRP) Areas.
Illinois Emergency Housing Assistance Fund Program
Illinois Housing Development Authority
Assistance to Illinois homeowners who have struggled to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. Now accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments.
The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund
City of Chicago
The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust (CLIHTF) provides annual subsidies to rental property owners to reduce rents for residents of Chicago who make less than 30% of the area median income.
TaxSmart
City of Chicago
Available through participating lenders, the TaxSmart program provides a federal income tax credit to qualified homebuyers and homeowners—helping them save money on federal income taxes.
Neighborhood Lending Program
City of Chicago
The Neighborhood Lending Program (NLP) provides forgivable loans or grants covering the closing cost, appraisal gaps, affordability assistance, and specific rehabilitation costs for qualifying borrowers for eligible single-family properties and multi-family homes of two to four-units.
Troubled Building Initiative
City of Chicago
If turned around, troubled buildings can have a revitalizing effect on the surrounding community.
Help for Illinois Families
Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
You may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the following services:
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Water/Sewer Payment
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Energy Utility Bill Assistance
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Rental Assistance
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Temporary Shelter
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Financial Management
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Food
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Employment Training/Placement
Foreclosure Prevention Program
City of Chicago
Personalized foreclosure and post-purchase counseling and education for at-risk homeowners to avoid foreclosure. Housing counselors may also assist homeowners in communicating with their mortgage servicer including understanding the different lossmitigation options which may be available to them.
Chicago Community Land Trust
City of Chicago
The Chicago Community Land Trust (CCLT) provides working individuals and families with opportunities to purchase their own homes at prices they can afford, along with a network of support to help ensure their ongoing success.
Housing Counseling Centers
City of Chicago
Housing Counseling Centers (HCC) are HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agencies who help individuals work towards achieving homeownership in the short-term or long-term.
Chicago Moves
City of Chicago
Chicago Moves is a financial assistance program aimed at providing financial relief for Chicago residents struggling with transportation expenses.