Funding Amount

Varies by project (examples: $214,500, $241,000)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Community First® Developer Program

Funder: Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, delivered through Forward Community Investments as member bank sponsor

Overview:
The Community First® Developer Program provides grants to support the development of affordable housing leaders and emerging developers. The program funds fellowships, internships, and educational initiatives that strengthen the pipeline of real estate professionals committed to expanding access to affordable housing and community development.

Geographic Scope: Illinois and Wisconsin

Focus Areas:

  • Affordable housing development capacity building

  • Fellowships and internships for emerging professionals

  • Educational programs in affordable housing

  • Project management and community engagement training
  • Eligible Applicants:

  • Organizations working in affordable housing development

  • Educational institutions with housing programs

  • Nonprofits committed to expanding affordable housing access
  • Recent Awards:

  • $214,500 to University of Wisconsin Housing Scholar Program (March 2026)

  • $241,000 to Kaba-Baal LLC for fellowships and internships (March 2026)

  • $5.9 million distributed across Illinois and Wisconsin in one funding round, supporting 110+ fellowships and internships at 28 organizations
  • Contact:
    Ryan Zerwer, Forward Community Investments
    Phone: (608) 257-3863
    www.forwardci.org

    More Information: https://www.fhlbc.com/products-programs/housing-community-grants/developer-program

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    affordable-housingworkforce-developmentcapacity-building

    Categories

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