Community Partner Grant Program

The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with local nonprofit organizations to strengthen our community while supporting our signature events.

Through this program, neighborhood groups, schools, churches, food pantries, and other nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to earn grant funding by helping staff LSRCC’s largest community events.

How It Works

Participating nonprofit organizations apply to join the program and select volunteer shifts that best fit their group’s availability.

Each shift has a designated hourly rate. Some shifts offer higher rates based on timing and staffing needs. Your organization recruits volunteers to fill the requested number of spots for your selected shifts.

After volunteers successfully complete their shifts, LSRCC awards a grant to your organization based on:

• The number of shifts worked
• The assigned hourly rate for each shift
• Any additional “extra credit” volunteers your group provides (prorated as space allows)

The more volunteers you recruit and the more shifts you fill, the more funding your organization can earn.
 

Why Participate?

• Earn funding for your mission
• Build visibility at major community events
• Engage your supporters in meaningful local impact
• Strengthen connections within the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood community

Priority Consideration

Priority is given to nonprofit organizations that are members of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

Available Opportunities

🎶 Square Roots Festival

Second Weekend of July | Friday–Sunday

Square Roots Festival is Lincoln Square’s signature summer celebration — a three-day street festival filled with live music, local food, craft beverages, and community spirit.

Hosted by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Old Town School of Folk Music, Square Roots brings thousands of neighbors and visitors together to celebrate the vibrancy of our local business and nonprofit community.

Nonprofit partners play a vital role in the success of the festival by helping staff key areas, including:

• 🎟️ Gate Greeters welcoming guests and encouraging suggested donations
• 💳 Point-of-Sale (POS) Stations supporting donation and ticket sales
• 🍻 Beer Stations serving beverages in a fun, high-energy environment
• 🛠️ Set-Up & Teardown Crews supporting behind-the-scenes operations

This high-energy event is an exciting opportunity for your volunteers to engage with the community while earning funding for your organization. With a variety of shifts available throughout the weekend — including premium-rate shifts — groups can maximize their impact and grant earnings.

🍎 Apple Fest

First Weekend of October | Friday–Sunday

Apple Fest is one of Chicago’s most beloved fall traditions, celebrating all things autumn in the heart of Lincoln Square. This three-day festival features live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and, of course, plenty of apple-inspired treats — from pies and cider to specialty foods and beverages.

As a long-standing neighborhood favorite, Apple Fest draws large crowds and showcases the charm, hospitality, and small-business spirit of our community.

Nonprofit partners play an important role in bringing Apple Fest to life by staffing key festival areas, including:

• 🎟️ Gate Greeters welcoming guests and encouraging suggested donations
• 🛠️ Set-Up Crews assisting with tents, signage, tables, and pre-event logistics
• 🎪 Tear-Down Crews helping ensure the festival closes smoothly and the neighborhood is left clean and organized
• 🔄 Event Support / Floater Staff providing flexible, on-call support throughout the festival to assist where needed

Apple Fest offers a festive fall atmosphere with strong family attendance and steady foot traffic throughout the weekend. With a range of shifts available — including higher-value shifts based on timing and need — nonprofits have meaningful opportunities to earn funding while engaging directly with thousands of community members.