| ABOUT DESIGNING A BETTER CHICAGO
In 2020, DMoC partnered with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and NeoCon to start the Designing a Better Chicago (DBC) grant program with the aim of providing vital funds to local individuals and organizations that use design to address challenges in communities across the City of Chicago. DBC expanded in 2024 with the addition of the Driehaus Foundation introducing a new award category supporting built environment projects.
Over six years, DBC has awarded 13 awards totaling $200,000. This program elevates the visibility of Chicago’s design legacy, assets, talent and community, creates healthy urban environments, and supports civic good through design. Each year, DBC hosts award categories: 1) the NeoCon: Design Impact Award, recognizing individuals or organizations using design for civic good and related programming in Chicago and 2) the Driehaus Foundation: Built Environment Award, supporting leaders working to bring significant long-term impacts to Chicago communities and neighborhoods.
Learn more about past DBC grantees here. |
