CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the first round of community-based organizations selected to receive funding through the City of Chicago’s Community-Centered Wellness Microgrant Program. The $600,000 initiative supports locally led health and wellness activities that connect residents with resources, services and ongoing support, with a focus on communities experiencing lower life expectancy and residents who are uninsured, underinsured or face other barriers to accessing care.

“Every Chicagoan deserves the resources and support they need to live a long, healthy life, no matter what neighborhood they call home,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Through the Community-Centered Wellness Microgrant Program, we are putting resources behind neighborhood organizations that are ready to turn community priorities into action. These investments will support locally driven programs that expand access to health and wellness resources, strengthen families and help address the barriers that have contributed to health disparities across our city.”

CDPH administers the program in partnership with SGA Youth & Family Services, which serves as the Lead Coordinating Organization and supports participating organizations throughout implementation.

“This first round of microgrants reflects our commitment to meeting residents where they are and supporting the organizations that know their communities best,” said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Garth Walker. “By investing directly in trusted neighborhood partners, we’re strengthening the foundation for long-term health and wellness across Chicago. These organizations bring invaluable insight, compassion and innovation to their work, and we’re proud to stand alongside them as we build healthier, more connected communities together.”

“Community-based organizations are essential partners in advancing health and wellness because they understand the needs and strengths of the people they serve,” said Martha Guerrero, CEO of SGA Youth & Family Services. “The selection of these organizations marks an exciting next step in bringing the Community Wellness Microgrant Program to life. SGA is proud to work alongside them as they turn their ideas into action, build upon their existing work and expand access to health and wellness resources for individuals and families across Chicago.”

The following community-based organizations have been selected for the first round of funding:

First-round awardees highlighted how the funding will support their work in communities across Chicago:

The Latina Sweat Project will host Winter Sweat Fest in South Lawndale, a three-part wellness festival series featuring fitness, food, music, recovery services and preventive health activities.

“Latina Sweat believes wellness is more powerful when it brings people together,” said Margarita Quiñones Peña, Executive Director, Latina Sweat. “This grant gives us the opportunity to create experiences where movement, culture, and community meet, continuing to build a wellness movement that reflects the people and neighborhoods we serve. Thank you, CDPH and SGA Youth & Family Services, for investing in community-led wellness.”

DJM Community Outreach, NFP, will host the Wellness Impact Expo in Austin, a free multigenerational event connecting residents with health screenings, education, fitness activities and community resources.

“Receiving this grant is a powerful affirmation that when communities are given the resources to lead, they can create meaningful and lasting change,” said Dr. Jennifer Matthews, Founder & Executive Director, DJM Community Outreach NFP. “At DJM Community Outreach NFP, we believe that health equity begins with meeting people where they are—listening to their needs, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. This investment from the Chicago Department of Public Health will allow us to bring critical health resources, education, and meaningful community engagement directly to the people we serve. We are not simply hosting programs; we are building stronger connections, increasing access, and helping create healthier communities where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. We are incredibly grateful for CDPH’s investment in our mission and proud to turn this funding into measurable impact in the community.”

A second round of microgrant funding is expected to open in January 2027. Additional information about the Community-Centered Wellness Microgrant Program, including eligibility, application requirements and deadlines for the second round, is available at https://sga-youth.org/wellness-microgrants/ or by emailing wellnessmicrogrants@sga-youth.org.

full link to the article here https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/october/community-wellness-microgrant.html:

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