The Southland Development Authority (SDA) has received a $100,000 'Impact Grant' from Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI), announced at a check-signing ceremony on Tuesday, July 29, in University Park. The funding is part of NICI's Impact Grants program, an invitation-only initiative providing large-scale support to nonprofits focused on economic mobility, small business development, and infrastructure.
“We are immensely grateful to NICI for their generous support,” said SDA CEO Bo Kemp. “This grant will significantly advance our mission to provide financial resources to the businesses that drive our community forward.” NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord added, “At NICI, we believe in investing in organizations that are driving real, measurable impact. We are proud to support the Southland Development Authority with this grant as they continue their important work in strengthening communities, growing businesses, and creating pathways to economic opportunity across the Southland.”
The grant will bolster the SDA's emerging Monarch Fund, a financing vehicle designed to power business growth across the Southland and prepare large-scale, development-ready land. With 260 acres currently under contract, the fund aims to replicate the success of projects like the CNI Pullman redevelopment on Chicago's South Side, tailored specifically for the Southland's assets and communities. The SDA is actively working with Nicor Gas, NICI's parent company, on one of the fund's core strategies: powering land for development to accelerate business and infrastructure growth.
Speakers at the event included State Representative Will Davis, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III, highlighting unified support from state, county, and local levels. SDA Chair Nathaniel K. Sutton also addressed the crowd, joined by board members David Agosto, Frank Clark, and Vernard Alsberry. Will Davis, Vice President of External Affairs at Governors State University, discussed the university's plans for expanded student housing and campus growth, noting that the SDA's work aligns with building a stronger community for students and residents.
For more information about the SDA's initiatives, visit Southland Development Authority. Details on NICI's Impact Grants can be found at Nicor Gas Community.
