Real estate development is fundamentally different from anything else nonprofit organizations do. Before diving in, novices need to grasp the complexity of the development process, the human and financial resources involved in launching a project, and its long-term impact on the organizational mission and bottom-line.

Community organizations often approach CCLF with three strengths: a compelling vision, a development project idea and the tenacity to make it happen. Frequently, however, they lack the capacity and experience to bring successful projects to fruition.

The Gateway to Community Development Program
Our technical assistance program, designed specifically with new and emerging organizations in mind, provides tools and a roadmap for negotiating the challenging, but often immensely rewarding, process of developing real estate.

The four components of the program are:

• Referral Services/Help Desk: Access time-sensitive development advice and referrals free of charge--by phone 312.252.0440 x207 or email or online.
  
  
• Project Readiness Workshops (PRWs): Intensive, one-day primers that provide a good overview of the real estate development process and its implications for your organization. Six workshops per year in city and suburban locations.



What past participants have to say about the workshop:

"Jam-packed with extraordinarily valuable information...essential in our becoming a successful developer. Honest about the pros and cons of taking on any development project...and the question, "What if this fails?"

"This was an excellent workshop--I was evaluating it for the purpose of sending housing agencies. I will definitely recommend it!"

"I came away from the training with a better understanding of the complexity of doing development projects and the risks involved."

• Comprehensive Development Assessments (CDAs): Free, customized team-based consulting, designed as a follow-up to the Project Readiness Workshops.
  
  
• Building for Sustainability: Learn how to create high quality community developments that yield reduced operating costs, healthy living quarters and facilities, with minimal environmental damage.
  
  1. CCLF conducts annual Building for Sustainability workshops. Register for information about upcoming workshops here.
  
  2. Download CCLF's Building for Sustainability Guide (aka "GREEN GUIDE")(©2001) and an updated sustainability resource list.
  
  3. Visit our Building for Sustainability web portal for more information.

Major program support for our technical assistance program is provided by:
Grand Victoria Foundation
Citigroup Foundation
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation

WHAT'S NEW

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Next workshop: June 10, in our Chicago Loop offices!

You know your community needs affordable housing and/or economic revitalization. Are you unsure whether real estate development is the way to go? Do you know what getting into real estate means for your organization? Attend our next Project Readiness Workshop (PRW) in 2008!

For more information,
email the workshop coordinator or call 312.252.0440 ext. 205.

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BUILDING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Click here for more information about designing community projects for sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Help Desk
Do you have a question about the development process? About developing a realistic development budget? Need a referral? Contact our online help desk with your questions. You'll get a response within two business days.