Chestnut Hill Community Development Corporation: COVID-19 Small Business Support Grants

Support Local Now So You Can Shop Local Later

The Problem:

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a catastrophic toll on small businesses, as operational restrictions combined with economic effects are challenging their ability to weather this storm.  One of the greatest assets of Chestnut Hill’s unique commercial district is its high concentration of small, independent businesses, but this also makes it especially vulnerable to the effects of the current crisis.  Even as our community steadfastly supports those retailers and restaurants who have been able to maintain a modified level of operations, there is a need to mobilize direct financial resources to sustain businesses who are at risk of permanently failing as the lockdown continues.

The Program:

The CHCDC’s COVID-19 Small Business Support Grants seek to provide critical funding support to small businesses in Chestnut Hill whose survival is threatened by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Recognizing that multiple resources are being offered to small business owners during this crisis, but acknowledging that available relief is not always sufficient or rapid enough to meet immediate needs, these grants will work alongside other public and private funding sources to help vulnerable enterprises stay in business and continue to provide employment locally.  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we know that many small businesses have endured their most challenging year ever.  Through careful management and innovation, community support, and the availability of financial resources, we are fortunate that most of our shops and restaurants have remained resilient thus far.  Still, just as there are reasons to be hopeful, we know that more assistance is needed during this difficult time.  This summer, the Chestnut Hill Community Development Corporation was proud to be able to award over $15,000 raised from local donations to Chestnut Hill businesses in the first round of our program.  Now, following a large gift from an anonymous philanthropist and a generous 100% match from the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, we are prepared to distribute $40,000 in additional funding to small businesses through a 2nd Round of microgrants.  All local small businesses located are eligible to apply, and applications will be objectively evaluated according to consistent criteria.  The Chestnut Hill Community Development Corporation (CHCDC), a registered 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to the enhancement of Chestnut Hill’s Business District, will administer the application process.

Applicant Information / APPLY HERE:

UPDATE (11/9/2020): Business applicants may now apply for Round 2 grants HERE.  Submissions via the Google Form are strongly preferred.  Please email pdawson@chestnuthillpa.com to request a paper application if you are unable to submit using the online form, or to submit any supporting documentation you would like to provide.  This program will be competitive, and applications will be reviewed and scored according to uniform criteria in the order they are received.  Grant amounts will be between $500 and $1,500, and all applicants will be informed of the status of their application at the time decisions are made.  The application period will close on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 5:00PM. 

How to Donate:

It’s not too late to contribute.  Please consider making a charitable donation to the CHCDC’s Small Business Support Grant Fund to extend our impact even farther! 

To ensure that 100% of your donation reaches small businesses without incurring credit card processing fees, you can mail a check made out to “Chestnut Hill Community Development Corporation” for “Grant Fund Donation” to:

Chestnut Hill CDC, 8514 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

The CHCDC may publish a list of donors (but not exact donation amounts) in our reporting on the program.  Please enclose a note indicating if you wish your donation to remain anonymous in the note field under the donation amount.

You can also conveniently make a donation from your credit card, debit card, or bank account via the secure PayPal payment platform here: