Become a Client

Homegrown community-based organizations (CBOs) are the heart of vibrant, healthy, and safe neighborhoods. At CVNC, we provide a comprehensive menu of back-office supports designed to help CBOs thrive and fulfill their missions.

Financial Health

Accounting/finance

Grants management

Fundraising and diversification

Strategy & Governance

Board management

Strategic planning

Succession planning

Communicating Impact

Data systems / information technology

Program evaluation and learning

Marketing and communications

Why Work with Us?

We work hand-in-hand with each client to co-design a tailored support plan that reflects their unique goals, strengths, and challenges. Whether through our Capacity Catalyst program or our Neighborhood Collective program, our team of trusted subject matter experts provides ongoing, hands-on assistance to achieve measurable, mission-aligned outcomes. All services are provided free of charge to CBO clients, along with a modest stipend to support their active participation.

Our approach is grounded in real-world experience and shaped by ongoing feedback from CBOs and neighborhood-based practitioners throughout Chicago. What sets CVNC apart is our commitment to working collaboratively with each organization—from assessing needs and setting achievable goals to co-creating a detailed scope of work with clear milestones and timelines. We don’t just offer services—we walk alongside our partners to maximize their success.

We’re excited to expand to more neighborhoods in the future. Free capacity-building resources will also be available soon on our website. To stay updated, sign up for the CVNC newsletter using the link at the bottom of our homepage or email us at info@chivnc.org.

Let’s build vibrant communities—together.

Requirements for applicants:

  • -Physical headquarters located and/or primarily serving residents in North Lawndale.

  • -501(c)3 organization

  • -Good standing with Illinois Secretary of State

  • -In operation since January 1, 2022

  • -Annual operating budget of no more than $2,500,000.00

  • -Three references who can speak to your organization’s impact in the community

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for a limited number of new client openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • CVNC requires that a CBO be in operation since January 1, 2021. Organizations that were active on or before that date that formally incorporated at a later date are eligible.

  • Yes. Working with a fiscal agent does not disqualify a CBO from consideration. There may be supplementary information required during the application review phase.

  • The address and EIN should be for the CBO submitting the application, not the fiscal agent. If no IRS 990s are available for the CBO that is applying, then the IRS 990 of the fiscal agent may be submitted. Operational budgets should be for the CBO submitting the application for CVNC support, not the fiscal agent.

  • Unfortunately there is not a way to save the application to edit over multiple sessions and all applications must be completed through the form on the CVNC website. A reference PDF of the application is available upon request from info@chivnc.org

  • All application questions can be emailed to info@chivnc.org

  • Unfortunately CVNC is not able to offer application extensions.

  • A core part of CVNC’s model is that the scope of services for each client CBO is co-designed with CBO leadership; we know that client needs and capacity vary and we aim to provide services that are tailored, strengths-based and meet our clients where they are at rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach While timing and needs vary by client, on average, CVNC subject matter experts may spend up to ten hours per week with a client.

  • If your organization becomes a CVNC client, we will work with your team to understand your priorities and what time your team has available. We do not expect our client CBOs to match the time commitment of our subject matter experts.

  • Unfortunately, at this time CVNC is only able to accept applications for prospective CBO clients that are based in North Lawndale. We look forward to serving more neighborhoods in the future and will be posting free capacity building resources on our website soon. Please sign up for the CVNC newsletter to be the first to learn about new resources. You can click the link at the bottom of our website homepage to sign up or email info@chivnc.org.