Know a nonprofit or developer driving change in Chicago? Submit your nomination by January 15, 2025, and shine a spotlight on their impactful work!

This week’s Business Pulse spotlights the transformative impact of community-based development through the lens of the 2025 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards.

In partnership with LISC, these awards have celebrated the people, projects, and partnerships shaping Chicago’s neighborhoods for over three decades. Recognizing both nonprofit and for-profit developers, as well as architectural innovation, the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDAs) underscore the vital role of community-led development in building a stronger, more inclusive city. We’re excited to feature this impactful program and encourage you to get involved by nominating deserving organizations and projects.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is accepting applications for the 2025 Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards(CNDAs) and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design.

• Applications are due by January 15, 2025.

Now in its 31st year, the CNDAs celebrate both nonprofit and for-profit developers, as well as architectural innovation, that contribute to the vibrancy of Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Recognized as one of the city’s premier acknowledgment and celebration of community impact, the CNDAs honor outstanding achievements in community building and real estate development. The awards emphasize the work of community development corporations, neighborhood-based organizations, and developers committed to elevating Chicago’s communities.

In partnership with LISC, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundationpresents two awards at CNDA spotlighting architectural projects that positively shape the visual, social, and cultural landscape of neighborhoods and emerging and diverse architects working on Chicago neighborhood development projects.

“The Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards highlight the transformative power of community development plays in shaping the future of our city,” said Meghan Harte, Senior Executive Director of LISC Illinois. “These awards celebrate projects that have redefined neighborhoods as inclusive spaces for everyone. We invite applicants who are committed to creating sustainable, equitable communities to share their stories and achievements.”

One standout past CNDA recipient is BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development), a Chicago-based organization breaking cycles of violence and providing young people the tools they need to succeed in life. Their programs include mentoring, arts, sports, education, and mental health support, all aimed at helping youth grow and thrive. In 2024, LBBA and BUILD Chicago were recognized for the new BUILD campus in the Austin neighborhood with a Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design at CNDA.

LBBA designed a vibrant new campus that truly reflected what the neighborhood wanted for a new community center. LBBA involved Austin’s youth, families, and residents in every stage of construction, planning, and design, resulting in an interconnected community hub that spans a city block and evokes a sense of community safety. The three-story, 41,000-square-foot building seamlessly connects to BUILD’s existing 10,000-square-foot structure and serves as a bustling hub for youth that is strategically located near schools and other community centers.

BUILD Chicago’s campus allows them to serve more young people like Antonio. Antonio joined BUILD during a tough time in his life when he was dealing with gang involvement and struggling in school. With support from BUILD’s mentoring program, Antonio found a safe place to heal and grow. He participated in leadership training, received help from school, and even discovered a love for art through BUILD’s workshops. Today, Antonio is a college graduate and a mentor, giving back to others the way BUILD once helped him.

Recognition at CNDA provides winners with greater visibility, new partnerships, and funding to expand its programs. For many winners, this recognition serves as a turning point, helping them take their work to the next level and inspiring others to get involved.

With the 2025 CNDA nomination window open, it’s your chance to shine a light on community organizations and innovative neighborhood real estate projects making a difference in Chicago.

Winning a CNDA can change the future of an organization by lifting up and sharing citywide innovative and impactful work. Awardees gain new connections, media exposure, and resources to grow their impact. It’s a way to support and encourage those who work every day to improve lives and build stronger neighborhoods.

How to Nominate

Nominations are now open and will close on January 15.

• The process is simple: visit https://app.lisc-cnda.org/. to fill out a nomination form.
• Eligible nonprofits should show a clear mission, measurable results, and a commitment to the values of the CNDAs: equity, innovation, and community collaboration.
• By nominating an organization, you are helping to recognize the incredible work being done to address today’s challenges.

The CNDAs are more than awards, they’re about celebrating the spirit of Chicago communities, innovation, and resilience. Let’s highlight the amazing efforts happening in our neighborhoods and make sure those who dedicate their lives to helping others get the recognition they deserve. Submit your nomination today and be part of a movement that supports those creating lasting change.

Previous Honorees

• Joel Rodriguez (CIBC Emerging Leader Award 2024): Community Organizer at Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), recognized for his significant impact on youth development and workforce initiatives.
• Felicia Slaton-Young (CIBC Emerging Leader Award 2023): Executive Director of the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, honored for her leadership in economic development and community engagement.
• Maya Bird-Murphy (Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award 2024): Founder and Executive Director of Mobile Makers, recognized for her commitment to design excellence in community development.
• Adam M. Alonso (Architectural Excellence in Community Design 2024): Under his leadership, BUILD Chicago’s headquarters, designed by LBBA Architects, received the second-place award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design in 2024.
• George Wright (Richard M. Daley Friend of the Neighborhood Award 2023): CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, honored for his contributions to community investment in Chicago.
• Katherine Darnstandt (Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award 2023): Founder of Latent Design, recognized for her innovative architectural contributions to community development.
• Emmanuel Garcia (Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award 2023): Architect at Wheeler Kearns Architects, honored for his role in impactful community design projects.
• Dion Dawson (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Healthy Community Award 2024): His organization, Dion’s Chicago Dream was recognized for their Dream Deliveries program.
• The Habitat Company and P3 Markets (For Profit Real Estate Development Award 2024): The development team was recognized for 43 Green, an innovative mixed-use, transit-oriented project that serves as a catalyst for investment and renewal along 43rd Street.

As we close out this week’s Business Pulse and step into a new year filled with possibilities, we want to wish you a very Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of our journey to celebrate and support Chicago’s economic vitality.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’d love to hear from you—what economic development topics would you like to see featured in the year ahead? Share your suggestions with us, and let’s continue building Chicago’s bright future together.