Momentum continues to build since the release of Our Great Rivers – the vision and action agenda for the future of our three rivers: the Chicago, Des Plaines and Calumet – last August. The Chicago Community Trust’s ongoing support of the Great Rivers Chicago process and a February 1st announcement gave us reason to celebrate!
The Trust announced yesterday a new funding opportunity to support river activation of the Chicago, Calumet and Des Plaines rivers and riverfronts. The Request for Proposals sets the stage for eligible projects that align with one or more of the Our Great Rivers’ three themes:
- Our rivers will be inviting: Enhancements to infrastructure, information and programming will make our rivers more intuitive, meaningful and exciting places to be, drawing more people for recreation, work and relaxation.
- Our rivers will be productive: They have historically been and will continue to be working rivers that are transportation arteries, commercial corridors and tourism generators.
- Our rivers will be living: From riverbeds to shorelines, plants, animals and people will co-exist in vibrant, healthy ecosystems.
The Trust will make up to 15 grants under this RFP, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 with the possibility of renewal. MPC and our partners are grateful for The Trust’s support of the Great Rivers Chicago process and excited to work with neighborhood groups to develop ideas. Our February 16th Ideas to Action workshop will include additional information about the Our Great Rivers RFP. We have received an overwhelming response to this workshop, which has reached capacity and are hosting a repeat workshop on February 22. Keep an eye on our Events page for registration.