Current Community Project Funding Application Information (FY 23)

Community Project Funding

Community Project Funding (CPF) is an initiative for Fiscal Year 2023 that will allow Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. CPF is separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula. CPF's are also not normal appropriations requests, which deal with funding levels for individual federal programs. Please see our normal appropriations request form if you are looking to submit a normal appropriations request.

This CPF initiative is coupled with stringent eligibility, ethics, and transparency guardrails that are outlined on the individual forms linked below. CPF will be available only to nonprofit organizations and to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. In addition, only projects with evidence of strong support from the community will be considered, and evidence of community support and community need is required as part of your submission. This evidence can take the form of a letter from local stakeholders, inclusion on a state or local planning document, letters to the editor in local papers, and many more options discussed further below.

Community Project Funding opportunities will be available through the House Committee on Appropriations. The deadline for CPF submissions to our office is Monday April 18, 2022 at 11:59 PM CT.

Please note that this limited timeline is due to external deadlines that our office does not control. Projects will be considered in accordance with the Appropriations committee-established guidelines below. If you have any questions regarding CPF funding, please email us at CommunityProjectFunding.IL04@mail.house.gov.

Requirements for Eligibility:

Located in the 4th Congressional District
State or Local Support (letters, resolutions, elected letters, bills, dev. plans, agency, etc.)
Community Support (forums, articles, hearings, letters, etc.)
Matching Funds (government, any level)
Other Funds (private, philanthropic)
Focused 1-year of funding (intend to use FY23)
Demonstrated Impact or Benefit to Community
Projected Budget submitted
Proposed project fits an eligible account

Ethics & Transparency Requirements:

State and local governments can submit projects from already approved and vetted list of projects)
Non-profit organizations must submit IRS determination letter demonstrating status
For-profit or private organizations are NOT eligible
Each Member may only submit 15 CPF projects to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. Of those 15, not all 15 will be successfully funded. If your project is one of the 15 submitted, the full details of your request (including the information provided below) are required to be posted publicly online on Rep. Garcia's website.
The Government Accountability Office will conduct a mandatory audit of a sample of enacted community project funding and report its findings to Congress. This report will likely be made public at some point.
A Member, their spouse, and immediate family may not have any financial interest in the project.

Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Projects Requested

Listed below are the projects Congressman García has submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration for FY23 Community Project Funding (listed in alpha order):

Project Title: Alivio Medical Center at LeClaire Courts (AMCLC)

Project Recipient: Alivio Medical Ce nter

Address of Recipient: 966 W 21st St, Chicago, Illinois, 60608

Project Address: W. 44th Street and S. Cicero Ave. Chicago, Illinois, 60638

Amount Requested: $3,000,000

Benefit: Alivio Medical Center at LeClaire Courts (AMCLC) will transform the health landscape for residents of West and South Chicago by building a new community health care center. The community health center is part of the larger redevelopment plan of LeClaire Courts, which was once home to a public housing complex. The project will create a community where right-to-return residents and neighbors will have easy walking distance to groceries, childcare, retail, green space and healthcare services at AMCLC. The new community health care center is a central part of the redevelopment plan.

Link to Financial Certification: Alivio Medical Center Financial Certification

Project Title: Berwyn-34th Street Modernization and Stormwater Management Improvements Project

Project Recipient: City of Berwyn

Address of Recipient: 6700 26th Street, Berwyn, IL 60402

Location of Project: 34th St. between Ridgeland Ave & Harlem Ave, Berwyn IL, 60402

Amount Requested: $5,022,325

Benefit: The funding for this project is to complete Phase II (construction) and supplement the Phase I design process that is currently underway for 34th Street in the City of Berwyn, Illinois. The funds would be used to rehabilitate the roadway, sidewalk and curb/gutter for improved overall flow of pedestrian traffic and will also increase sight distance, ADA compliance, and overall pedestrian and road user safety. In a community ravaged by pedestrian and vehicle roadway injuries and deaths, this project would be a significant benefit to the entire community.

Link to Financial Certification: City of Berwyn 34th Street Modernization_Financial Certification

Project Title: Chicago Puerto Rican Cultural Center-Business Incubation and Support Hub (BIS Hub)

Project Recipient: Puerto Rico Cultural Center

Address of Recipient: 2739 W Division St, Chicago, Illinois, 60622

Location of Project: 2621-25 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622

Amount Requested: $5,000,000

Benefit: As the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) enters its 50th year of existence, it is looking forward to incorporating “Puerto Rico Town'' (PRT), a concept to create a state-designated and viable cultural/commercial district. PRT’s development vision spans a 10-year plan composed of three phases envisioned within five pillars: (1) culturally and linguistically sound education, (2) equitable access to health care, (3) economic development, (4) preventing the displacement of working individuals/families through the development of affordable housing and, (6) celebrating Puerto Rican arts and culture. Phase I of PRT involves stabilizing and revitalizing the commercial corridor known as Paseo Boricua on Division Street in Humboldt Park, which has been the heart and soul of the Midwest’s Puerto Rican community for decades. Phase I will deploy and expand PRCC’s current Community Business Development Model (CBDM) and small business incubation efforts with the construction of PRCC’s Business Incubation and Support Hub (BIS Hub).

Link to Financial Certification: Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia_Financial Certification Disclosure_Puerto Rico Cultural Center.pdf (house.gov)

Project Title: Cook County Environmental Infrastructure – Cicero Water Main Replacement

Project Recipient: Town of Cicero

Address of Recipient: 4949 W. Cermak Rd. Cicero, IL 60804

Location of Project: Town of Cicero, IL

Amount Requested: $1,102,021

Benefit: The funding would be used to eliminate the potential lead contamination exposure from the public water supply and provide improved fire flow protection due to the larger 8” diameter water main installation. Specifically, the project entails the replacement of deteriorated water main pipes with iron water main pipes including the full replacement of lead water service lines with copper water service lines that extend to residential meters.

Lead contamination of local water sources continues to ravage working class communities like the Town of Cicero and this vital funding will expedite the replacement of these lead main lines and also improve fire-fighting capabilities

Link to Financial Certification: Town of Cicero Water Main Replacement_Financial Certification

Project Title: Erie Division Street Health Center-Renovation of Urgent Care Center

Project Recipient: Erie Family Health Centers

Address of Recipient: 1701 W. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60622

Location of Project: 2418 W Division St. Chicago, IL 60622

Amount Requested: $1,173,900

Benefit: The funding would be used to expand an existing health care building and use that new space to turn an urgent care center into a holistic clinic serving 7,500 patients per year with permanent readiness for infectious diseases and patient access needs, including evening and weekend appointments. This project would boost Erie’s ability to respond to the health and social impacts across some of Chicago’s most vulnerable neighborhoods on the West Side. The conversion of Erie’s current urgent care space into an innovative, modern clinic would create a vital community healthcare facility that changes lives.

Link to Financial Certification: Erie Family Health Division Street Renovation of Urgent Care Center_Financial Certification)

Project Title: Expanding Community-Owned Co-op Housing for the Pilsen Neighborhood in Chicago

Project Recipient: The Resurrection Project

Address of Recipient: 1805 S Paulina Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60623

Location of Project: Various sites in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Benefit: This project would significantly expand an innovative, promising cooperative housing initiative in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago by allowing the acquisition of additional properties to the Pilsen Housing Cooperative (PIHCO); and by opening a lending market for the purchase, refinancing and remodeling of co-op apartments.

The Pilsen Housing Cooperative (PIHCO) is a limited equity housing co-op started by Pilsen artists and families in an effort to secure housing in our longtime neighborhood amidst gentrification, skyrocketing rents, and massive displacement of our Latino neighbors. The coop owns two properties (12 units) and is currently looking for their third building.

This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will add much needed affordable housing in a rapidly gentrifying area of Chicago.

Link to Financial Certification: Resurrection Project Financial Certification

Project Title: Expansion of Workforce Development Programs at Association House of Chicago (AHC)

Project Recipient: Association House of Chicago

Address of Recipient: 1116 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60651

Project Location: 1116 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60651

Amount Requested: $500,000

Benefit: This funding would be used to expand workforce development training. AHC seeks to expand capacity to serve hundreds more participants annually through its BankWork$ Financial Careers, CareerWork$ Ready and NextJob Training programs, and to inaugurate its Transitions to Culinary Careers/Kitchen Training program, a 200-hour food preparation curriculum leading to industry credentials and job placements.

$500,000 of CPF funding will expand workforce development capacity with AHC, doubling the number of trainees to 280, and doubling the economic impact in the region to $12,125,568 of new annual income generated in the Chicago region.

Link to Financial Certification: Association House of Chicago_ Financial Certification

Project Title: The LeClaire Hearst Advisory Council Project

Project Recipient: Chicago Parks District

Address of Recipient: 541 N Fairbanks Ct., Chicago, Illinois, 60611

Location of Project: 5120 W 44th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60638.

Amount Requested: $350,000

Benefit: The purpose of this project is to acquire and install a badly needed air conditioner for the LeClaire Hearst Park field house that's adjacent to the former LeClaire public housing development on the Southwest Side of Chicago. During hot summer months, patrons can barely breathe in the field house building.

This is a good use of taxpayer funds because with Covid-19 in mind, air should circulate in order to remain healthy and prevent the spread of Covid-19. The heat in the building makes it difficult for park program participants to work and play in comfort. Both children and senior citizens have a problem with the heat. An air conditioner would allow for a degree of comfort, safety and a healthy environment.

Link to Financial Certification: LeClaire-Hearst Park Field House Air Conditioning_Financial Certification

Project Title: Maximizing Year-Round Use of the Rauner Family YMCA

Project Recipient: YMCA of Metro Chicago

Address of Recipient: 1030 W. Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607

Project Address: 2700 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Amount Requested: $602,500

Benefit: The funding would be used to purchase and install an air conditioning system for the athletic fields in the Rauner Family YMCA facility in Pilsen/Little Village. Currently, it is not possible to use the fields during the summer months. Air conditioning will enable year-round use of the space, allowing the Y to maximize and expand summer activities such as neighborhood soccer leagues, lessons, and summer camp games.

The proposed project will enable the Rauner Family YMCA to fully re-establish itself as a vital neighborhood resource and community hub.

Link to Financial Certification: Rauner Family YMCA Air Conditioning_Financial Certification

Project Title: New Saint Anthony Hospital-Pre-Construction Phase

Project Recipient: Saint Anthony of Chicago

Address of Recipient: 2875 W 19th St, Chicago, Illinois, 60623

Location of Project: West 31st St. and S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

Amount Requested: $3,000,000

Benefit: This funding would be used for the pre-construction phase activities for the new Saint Anthony Hospital (SAH) located on the West and Southwest side Chicago. This hospital will be the only major hospital on the Southwest side of Chicago if completed. The activities this CPF funding request would cover involve analyzing the existing Saint Anthony Hospital in its current operations; developing the scoping process that defines the future hospital in size, programs and operations; and creating the actual schematic designs, architecture renderings, and determining construction technologies for each floor of the new hospital facilities.

This project is important to the local community because it will increase quality healthcare delivery to the community. It will increase its role as an economic hub thereby assisting this impoverished of mostly Black and Latino residents increase safety for the community's youth by providing recreational facilities in a safe and secure area, and increase mobility because of the child care facilities that will be offered at the site due to the community’s request. More than 1500 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs will be created when the hospital is fully constructed.

Link to Financial Certification: Saint Anthony Hospital-Pre-Construction_ Financial Certification

Project Title: Pace Bus - Harlem Ave and Cermak Rd Transit Signal Priority Project

Project Recipient: Pace Bus

Address of Recipient: 550 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Project Location: 30 intersections along Harlem Ave and Cermak Road. Specifically, along Harlem Avenue from Cermak Rd to Ogden Ave. and along Cermak Rd. from 54th Ave and the 54th Ave / Cermak Rd. Pink Line CTA Station

Amount Requested: $840,000

Benefit: The funding for this project would pay for implementation of Traffic Signal Prioritization (TSP) equipment at 30 traffic signals on Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road. TSP creates shorter travel times for bus riders because it allows buses to communicate with traffic signals to shorten red lights and lengthen green lights for buses. It also makes transit more reliable and more attractive by giving buses an advantage over regular auto traffic.

These two corridors have some of the heaviest bus ridership in Pace’s service area, and both are top priorities for construction of a Pulse (rapid transit) Line.

Link to Financial Certification: Pace Bus Transit Signal Priority on Harlem Ave and Cermak Rd_Financial Certification

Project Title: PODER Headquarters

Project Recipient: PODER Learning Center

Address of Recipient: 6155 S. Pulaski Road, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60629

Location of Project: 3357 W. 55th St., Chicago, IL 60632

Amount Requested: $500,000

Benefit: The funding for this project would pay for building rehabilitation so that the space can be used for its intended job training and workshop services. In addition to job training and community partner resources inside the building, PODER HQ will offer a large, open and public outdoor respite for area residents. With little green space in the Gage Park neighborhood, PODER’s zocalo (or plaza), located adjacent to the building’s east elevation, will welcome the public with free Wi-Fi, shaded paths, benches and event space for community celebrations. PODER HQ will provide southwest side residents a place to learn new skills, build community, and dream of a better future.

Link to Financial Certification: PODER Headquarters Financial Certification

Project Title: Rehabilitation of Cicero Ave Bridge over Sanitary and Ship Canal

Project Recipient: Chicago Department of Transportation

Address of Recipient: 2 N. LaSalle Street Suite 1110, Chicago, Illinois, 60602

Location of Project: Cicero Avenue over the Sanitary and Ship Canal, Chicago, IL 60804

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Benefit: This project involves the rehabilitation of the Cicero Avenue Bridge over the Sanitary and Ship Canal. The Cicero Bridge is adjacent to the I-55 expressway, approximately 3.5 miles south of I290 expressway, less than 2 miles north of Midway Airport, and the Canal is lined with businesses, likely utilizing the freight system. This principal freight corridor is important in the overall system and connects to other principal routes. Cicero is a vital north/south truck route in the region and is a part of the Primary Highway Freight System.

This project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the funding of the project will help ensure this existing piece of infrastructure is preserved and the connection across the Sanitary and Ship Canal is maintained as part of the Primary Highway Freight System. The project will help improve efficiency by increasing the bridge rating. This will in-turn remove the overweight truck restrictions currently on the bridge. This will eliminate overweight truck reroutes that currently occur due to the restriction, thereby improving efficiency

Link to Financial Certification: Cicero Avenue Bridge Financial Certification

Project Title: Rudy Lozano Branch Library Renovation

Project Recipient: Chicago Public Library

Address of Recipient: 400 S.State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60605

Project Address: 1805 S. Loomis St. Chicago, IL 60608

Amount Requested: $2,000,000

Benefit: The existing Rudy Lozano Branch Library, opened in 1989, is an 18,000 square foot Library located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago that has not received any major renovations since its opening, leaving this 33 year old Branch badly in need of a major renovation to upgrade its services and capability for a growing and changing neighborhood. The Pilsen neighborhood has served as the glue bonding the large Latino community that has spread throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, and has served as a political and cultural center of Latino Chicago, a role it has played for over 50 years. Rudy Lozano was the pioneering leader of the electoral and immigrant rights’ movements in Chicago until his untimely death. A major renovation of this Library would greatly improve the Facility's ability to not only honor the legacy of Rudy Lozano but would also contribute to the cultural welfare of Pilsen, Mexicans/Latinos, and all Chicagoans.

Link to Financial Certification: Rudy Lozano Library Renovation_Financial Certification

Project Title: Sanitary Sewer Lining Replacement in Northlake, Illinois

Project Recipient: City of Northlake, Illinois

Address of Recipient: 55 E. North Ave. Northlake, IL 60164

Location of Project: The area within the boundaries of North Avenue, 43rd Avenue, Wolf Road, and Lake Street in Northlake, IL

Amount Requested: $3,200,000

Benefit: This project involves the replacement of the lining of a 70+ year old clay tile sanitary sewer with a Cured-in-Place-Pipe lining to stop inflow, infiltration and outward migration of effluent. The funding would be used to bring the sewer line into compliance with mandated requirements from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and would be used to rehabilitate and replace significant parts and portions of the current sewer line. This will significantly reduce inflow and infiltration, thereby easing the burden on local sewage treatment plants, and prevent future basement backups and flooding that remains pervasive in the area (which is part of the Upper Des Plaines Basin).

Link to Financial Certification: Northlake Sewer Rehabilitation Financial Certification

Committee on Appropriations

For FY 2023, additional CPF is available from 42 accounts across 10 different appropriations bills. A summary of eligible accounts and their allowed uses is below. Please note that some of the eligible accounts have changed from last year so be sure to check to see if your project fits an eligible account.

In-depth information on eligibility requirements and allowable uses for each account can be found in the linked form for the relevant appropriations measure. The range of sizes for CPF awards has historically been between a few thousand dollars and several million dollars, with the majority of available awards being under one million dollars (although this varies by account).

Additional information from the Appropriations Committee can be found here along with the guidelines and transparency requirements.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Please use this form to submit CPF requests for accounts within the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations measure. 3 accounts within this measure are eligible for CPF:

1. USDA Community Facilities Grants: CPF from this account may be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas; to purchase equipment; and pay other related project expenses. These projects must serve a rural area, which the account defines as "rural areas including cities, villages, townships and towns including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data." This is one of the most flexible accounts; examples of eligible projects include medical or dental clinics, towns halls, courthouses, childcare centers, police or fire departments, public works vehicles, or distance learning equipment.

BEST FOR: Nonprofit organizations and local governments located in qualified rural areas.

2. USDA ReConnect Program: CPF from this account may be used for construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment to improve broadband access. The community must be rural and lack sufficient access to broadband service. For the purposes of this account, a rural area is any area which is not located within: (1) A city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants; or (2) an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants. Sufficient access to broadband is defined as greater than 90% of any rural area in which households have fixed, terrestrial broadband service delivering at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. Mobile and satellite services will not be considered in making the determination of sufficient access to broadband. Please note that eligibility for funding from this account is tricky and will likely be determined on a case-by-case basis; please don't hesitate to reach out to the staffer listed in the form above with any questions.

BEST FOR: Local governments and nonprofit organizations that meet eligibility requirements.

3. USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: This is a newly eligible account this year. CPF funds from this account are for The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program (DLT), which helps rural residents better utilize the enormous potential of modern telecommunications and the internet for education and healthcare, two critical components of economic and community development. The DLT program helps rural communities acquire the technology and training necessary to connect educational and medical professionals with students, teachers, and patients in rural areas.

Grants may be used for audio and video equipment, broadband facilities that support distance learning or telemedicine (not actual broadband), computer hardware or network components/software, and acquisition of instructional programing.

The program requires a 15% match that cannot come from another federal source.

The program is intended to serve rural areas with populations of 20,000 or less.

BEST FOR: State and local governments; K-12 local education agencies; local non-profit health-care providers

4. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Buildings and Facilities: CPF from this account may be used for ARS-owned facilities or for facilities that will enhance ongoing ARS work. Requests can assist in the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities. ARS owns and operates laboratories and facilities across the United States.

BEST FOR: Scientific researchers; local research universities.

5. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations: This is a newly eligible account this year. CPF funds from this account are for The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which supports private landowners, conservation districts, and other organizations to conserve, maintain, and improve the Nation's natural resources. Conservation Operations has four major program components: Conservation Technical Assistance, Soil Survey, Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting, and Plant Materials Centers. Examples of specific objectives include reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters.

BEST FOR: State and local governments; local conservation districts; nonprofits focused on conservation; local research universities.

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Please use this form to submit CPF requests for accounts within the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations measure. 6 accounts within this measure are eligible for CPF:

6. Department of Commerce-National Institute of Standards and Technology; Scientific and Technical Research and Services: This is a newly eligible account this year. CPF funds from this account are for activities consistent with and supportive of NIST's mission and within its authorities, such as STEM education activities, scientific research, or other activities that support American manufacturing and industry.

This account does not fund vehicles or building construction or renovation

BEST FOR: Local nonprofit colleges and universities; K-12 local education agencies; research institutions; local STEM education and workforce training programs.

7. Department of Commerce NIST Construction of Research Facilities—Extramural Construction: This is a newly eligible account this year. CPF funds from this account are for the construction and renovation of research facilities, provided that such facilities will be used in a manner that is aligned with and supportive of the mission of NIST

BEST FOR: Local research universities; other research institutions; state and local government

8. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Operations, Research, and Facilities: CPF from this account may be used for research, demonstration, or education projects performed by external partners or for prioritizing NOAA internal funds for geographically specific projects. This account does not fund construction projects. Any such project must be aligned with NOAA's mission and within their existing authorities. Examples of eligible projects include biological research on wildlife, the Great Lakes, wetland restoration, and coastal tidal gauges.

BEST FOR: Local research universities; other research institutions; state and local government

9. Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG): CPF from this account may be used to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system, provide victims' services, and other related activities. CPF requests designed to help improve police-community relations are strongly encouraged. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account.

BEST FOR: State and local governments; local law enforcement agencies.

10. Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) - Technology & Equipment: CPF from this account may be used by local law enforcement to develop and acquire effective technologies and interoperable communications that assist in investigating, responding to, and preventing crime. These projects should help improve police effectiveness and the flow of information among law enforcement agencies, local government service providers, and the communities they serve. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account.

BEST FOR: Local governments; local law enforcement agencies.

11. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Safety, Security, and Mission Services: CPF from this account may be used activities consistent with and supportive of the work of NASA's mission directorates and within the agency's authorities, such as STEM education activities and scientific research. Examples of such projects include nanomaterials research, antennae for unmanned aerial vehicles, and minority science initiatives.

Please not that funding for building construction or renovation projects will not be considered for community project funding under this account.

BEST FOR: Local nonprofit colleges and universities; K-12 local education agencies; research institutions; local STEM education and workforce training programs.

Defense

Please use this form to submit CPF requests for accounts within the Defense appropriations measure. 5 accounts within this measure are eligible for CPF:

12. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Army: CPF from this account may be used to enhance the Army's scientific and technical knowledge through research, development, test, and evaluation funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. Please note that the most likely recipients of funds from this account will be universities conducting research with a DOD element.