Juneteenth 2025

2025 JUNETEENTH PROPERTY GIVEAWAY FOR NON-PROFITS

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Empowering Communities Through Property Ownership 

In celebration of Juneteenth 2025, the Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) invites established nonprofit organizations to apply for the opportunity to receive one of five (5) vacant properties gifted through the Land Bank’s community revitalization initiative. This program aims to support nonprofits committed to transforming disinvested neighborhoods through sustainable, community-driven projects. 

 

APPLY NOW

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Interested nonprofits can apply between May 22nd – June 13th, 2025 using the CCLBA online application portal.  All applications are due June 13th at 12:00 CDT, please follow the instructions below to apply:

1. Submit application through the CCLBA online portal (Click ,’Apply Here’ button below):

   • One of the questions in the application asks whether you or your organization is able to visit the property in one of the specified designated window.  It is strongly recommended that you schedule a time to visit the property during one of the designated windows below (scroll down to see the, ‘Key Dates’ section below).  Should you not choose to visit the property during one of these windows, it could potentially affect the evaluation of your application with respect to other qualified applicants.  

2. Email required documents (as specified in the application) to juneteenth@cookcountylandbank.org with your organization name in the subject line.

APPLY HERE

Once submitted, CCLBA will confirm receipt of the completed application package & required documents.  CCLBA will notify all applicants on June 20th, 2025.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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To qualify, applicants must: 

• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a valid IRS determination letter. 

• Have a minimum of 3 years of documented service in Cook County 

• Submit a detailed project plan including proposed property use, budget, timeline, and community impact metrics. 
• Demonstrate financial capacity to maintain and improve the property. 

 

 

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

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Five properties are available through this special Juneteenth initiative. Each will be conveyed via quit-claim deed, with the following conditions: 

• Property must be substantially improved within 24 months of transfer.  A deed restriction will be placed on the property to ensure that the substantial improvement is fully satisfied & the property will not be sold or transferred within five (5) years as per the terms of this initiative.
• “Substantial improvement” means:
  • Completion of all proposed renovations in the project plan;
  • Bringing property up to code, and
  • Implementing the community program described in the application
• Properties may not be sold or transferred for a minimum of 5 years. 

Available PINs: 

• 20-16-121-031-0000 & 20-16-121-032-0000 | 5840 – 5842 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60621 | Land | 6,250 SF

• 25-02-406-007-0000 | 9219 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60619 | Commercial Structure – 4,650 SF

• 25-28-103-001-0000 | 625 W 119th St, Chicago, IL 60628 | Mixed-Use – 3,325 SF

• 16-13-305-018-0000 | 3015 W Flournoy St, Chicago, IL 60612 | Land – 3,127 SF

• 16-27-200-078-0000 | 4384 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623 | Commercial – 2,856 SF

 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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Applicants must email the following documents to: juneteenth@cookcountylandbank.org: 

• IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter 

• Certificate of Good Standing (State of Illinois) 

• Detailed Project Scope of Work with Budget 

• Community Impact Statement (past projects, partnerships, testimonials) 

• Financial Capacity Documents (bank statements, grants, etc.) 

• Optional: Letters of Support from Community Partners 

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

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Eligible applicants must be established 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of service in Cook County, able to demonstrate financial capacity, submit a detailed project plan, and provide documentation of community impact. Selection prioritizes alignment with community needs, financial sustainability, demonstrated impact, feasibility and timeline of proposed improvements, and the potential for long-term community benefit.

 

KEY DATES

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• May 22nd – June 13th: Application Submission Period 

• June 2nd – 12th: Site visits for qualified applicants (will be scheduled by CCLBA staff).  See specific dates below:

  • June 2nd: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 5840 – 5842 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60621
  • June 2nd: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 9219 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60619
  • June 3rd: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | 625 W 119th St, Chicago, IL 60628
  • June 6th: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 3015 W Flournoy St, Chicago, IL 60612
  • June 6th: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 4384 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
  • June 9th: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 625 W 119th St, Chicago, IL 60628
  • June 9th: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 5840 – 5842 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60621
  • June 9th: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 9219 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60619
  • June 12th: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3015 W Flournoy St, Chicago, IL 60612
  • June 12th: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4384 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

• June 20th: Award notifications 

• June 23rd – 27th: Final documentation and orientation 

• July 2025: Deed Transfer Ceremony 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT FOCUS AREAS

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We especially encourage projects addressing: 

• Affordable housing 

• Youth development 

• Senior services 

• Job training/workforce development 

• Arts and cultural preservation 

• Food access/urban agriculture 

• Health and wellness services

 

QUESTIONS?

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Email us at juneteenth@cookcountylandbank.org for more information or technical support. Virtual information sessions will be held on May 29th and June 5th at 12:00 PM CT. 

Together, we can revitalize our communities—one property at a time.