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Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund

Annual Giving
$23.9M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $23.9 million (rent subsidies and developer loans)
  • Success Rate: Not available
  • Decision Time: Not available
  • Grant Range: Varies by program
  • Geographic Focus: Chicago, IL

Contact Details

Overview

The Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF) was established in 1989 and received tax-exempt status in 1990. With total assets of $75.5 million and annual program expenses exceeding $23 million, CLIHTF serves Chicago's most vulnerable residents living at or below 30% of area median income. The organization operates two primary funding programs: providing rent subsidies directly to very low-income residents ($19 million annually) and offering non-interest, forgivable loans to developers of multi-unit rental buildings ($4.9 million annually). The Trust Fund represents a critical component of Chicago's affordable housing infrastructure, addressing the severe housing cost burden faced by the city's lowest-income residents.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Rent Subsidy Program: $19 million annually - Direct rental assistance for residents at or below 30% AMI
  • Developer Forgivable Loans: $4.9 million annually - Non-interest, forgivable loans for multi-unit affordable housing development

Priority Areas

  • Affordable housing preservation and development
  • Housing stability for extremely low-income residents (30% AMI or below)
  • Multi-unit rental building development with affordability requirements
  • Prevention of homelessness through rental assistance

What They Don't Fund

Information not available from research

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Annissa Lambirth Garrett (Compensation: $141,455) Principal Officer: Barry Chatz

The organization is governed by a board of directors representing various stakeholder interests in Chicago's affordable housing sector.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Based on available information, CLIHTF operates two distinct programs with different application approaches:

For Rent Subsidies: Information about the specific application process for tenants or landlords participating in the rent subsidy program was not available through public sources.

For Developer Loans: The organization provides non-interest, forgivable loans to developers of multi-unit rental buildings. Specific application procedures and requirements were not publicly available.

Interested parties should contact CLIHTF directly through their website for current application information and requirements.

Decision Timeline

Not available from public sources

Success Rates

Not available from public sources

Reapplication Policy

Not available from public sources

Application Success Factors

Due to limited public information about CLIHTF's specific application requirements and selection criteria, potential applicants should:

  • Focus on projects serving residents at or below 30% of area median income
  • Emphasize long-term affordability commitments for multi-unit developments
  • Demonstrate alignment with Chicago's broader affordable housing goals
  • Contact CLIHTF directly for program-specific requirements and guidance

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • CLIHTF focuses exclusively on serving Chicago's most economically vulnerable residents (30% AMI or below)
  • The organization operates as both a direct service provider (rent subsidies) and a funder (developer loans)
  • With $75.5 million in assets, CLIHTF has substantial resources for affordable housing initiatives
  • The forgivable loan program for developers represents a unique financing opportunity for multi-unit affordable housing projects
  • Limited public information suggests a need for direct contact with CLIHTF to understand specific program requirements
  • The organization's dual role in both tenant assistance and developer financing offers multiple engagement opportunities

References

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