CBC Merit Awards
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
February 6, 2027
284 days left
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
CBC Merit Awards
Overview: The Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards have celebrated the building industry since 1956 by recognizing outstanding construction projects in the greater Chicagoland area completed within the past three years.
Status: Active annual program. The 70th Merit Awards competition is currently underway for 2026.
Geographic Scope: Primarily Chicagoland area and surrounding counties in Illinois, though projects outside Chicagoland have been considered in the past.
Eligibility:
Award Categories (2026):
CBC Equity Champion Award: Recognizes project teams demonstrating exceptional commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Recognizes programs fostering workplace diversity, creative strategies addressing equity barriers, and community partnerships supporting underrepresented groups.
CBC Community Impact Award: Recognizes outstanding projects significantly improving quality of life in economically disadvantaged areas. Recognizes teams creating job opportunities, supporting local businesses, stimulating growth in underserved areas, engaging with community planning, and reflecting community diversity.
Judging Criteria:
Entry Costs:
Contact Information:
Timeline (2026):
How to Apply
How to Apply for CBC Merit Awards
1. Registration
- Visit the project entry portal
- Enter company contact information
- Enter project title
- Select appropriate category
- Pay entry fee online ($300 for CBC members, $600 for non-members)
- Multiple projects can be submitted in one registration
2. Project Details Form
- After registration, receive automated email with link to Project Details Form
- Complete the form with project information
- Important: Form cannot be altered after submission—prepare answers before filling out
- Answers should be succinct (judges review many entries)
- Unless noted, answers may be as detailed as needed
3. Required Information
- Project title and location
- Project category selection
- Project details addressing judging criteria:
- Design Creativity
- Project Challenges/Complexity of Construction
- Safety Record
- Impact on the Community & Inclusion
4. Finalist Requirements (if selected)
- Submit Project Poster digitally (20" x 30" storyboards)
- Title and location of project
- Project team names (owner, architect, general contractor, engineers)
- Brief project description with community impact statement
- Minimum one color photograph
- Participate in judging presentations via Zoom
- One team member participates in post-presentation interview (5 minutes)
5. Deadlines for 2026
- Merit Award Submission Deadline: February 6, 2026
- Project Details Form & Photos Deadline: February 6, 2026
- Finalist Poster Submission: April 5, 2022 (for finalist stage)
6. Judging Process
- Initial judging (February): Determines construction category finalists
- In-person presentations (March): Three days of finalist presentations
- Winners announced: May 7, 2026 at Merit Awards Gala
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