Registration is now open for CCLF's signature Project Readiness Workshop, which serves as an in-depth introduction to affordable housing development. Topics covered range from building organizational capacity to financing options. Scholarships are available for students and nonprofits. Learn more here.

The Illinois Clean Energy Foundation is offering grant opportunities for a multitude of activities. The include grants for Existing Building Energy Efficiency Improvements, Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Capacity Building and many more! Check out their website to see if a grant opportunity applies to your organization. 

Franklin Energy recently announced a new scholarship program for Energy Efficiency Experts of Tomorrow. This scholarship is designed to aid enrolled post-secondary junior and senior students with a declared major in engineering or environmental sciences. View the scholarship website for full entry criteria.

The 2015 Building the Heartland Conference, which will take place August 31- September 2, is now accepting proposals for presenters and topics. The conference will focus on five tracks, technology, owner/developer/occupant panels, residential, high-performance buildings and high-performance building systems and tools. Click here to submit your proposal. 

AmeriFirst Home Mortgage will cover a portion of closing costs and pay for an Eco Achievers energy audit for customers who implement approved energy-efficiency upgrades with an FHA 203k loan. Learn more about this grant opportunity here. 

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) are hosting a regional forum on their comprehensive plan for water supply planning and management on January 15. Check out this website for more information. 

USDA Food and Nutrition Services hosts monthly GoodGreens events on various food-related topics. This month's topic is cooperative grocery stores. Representatives from four area food co-ops as well as CCLF's own Mark Fick will share their unique stories, challenges, opportunities and experiences in the food co-op industry. Contact Mark Fick at [email protected] for more information.

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is organizing this free event in conjunction with the 2015 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference mentioned below. The Summit will focus on states and businesses that are capitalizing on opportunities in industrial energy efficiency. Contact Ian Adams at [email protected] for more information and register here. 

The City of Chicago released its first-ever energy benchmarking report from data collected under the Energy Benchmarking Ordinance. Check out the 2014 report to learn more about the city's energy usage.

CMAP recently released a report which examines economic development policies and practices in both the state and region. You can read the report, entitled "Reorienting State and Regional Economic Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Metropolitan Chicago," here. 

While many nonprofits launch social enterprises, not all ventures are a success. In a recent National Housing Institute report, "Why Don't We Build It Ourselves: The Story of Humboldt Construction Company," Bob Brehm, former executive director of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation (now led by Executive Director Joy Aruguete) analyzes the success of a Chicago CDC subsidiary. This case study was also featured in Shelterforce; view it here. 

The mayor's office recently launched an online community forum entitled CHIdeas.org. It is a place for Chicago residents and business to share ideas about improving city services, creating initiatives in our neighborhoods and enhancing quality of life. Join the conversation today!

The Chicago Rehab Network is continuing their successful community development Empowerment Series this year. The 128 hour course covers the fundamentals of housing development and management in a community development context. The first 2-day session, which focuses on Single Family Housing Development, begins this month. Discover more here.

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Level 1 Building Operator Certificaiton classes are being offered this month. For more information about the classes and how to register, visit their website. You can also contact them at [email protected] or by calling (855) 420-1785.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring Water Loss Audit training to provide free training on a useful tool for utilities to better understand their water systems. Training will be provided on American Water Works Association software that can help communities take advantage of the Illinois Clean Water Initiative. Check out this brochure and contact Tim Loftus to learn more about these opportunities. 

DCEO Illinois Energy Now is offering multiple free training sessions on compliance with the 2012 Illinois Energy Conservation Code for buildings. Scroll down to Training Opportunities on this website for details.

The 2015 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference will bring together energy stakeholders to discuss energy efficiency in the Midwest. For more information and to register, visit http://mwalliance.org/conference.

The Illinois Better Buildings: Better Business Conference will take place February 26-27 in Rosemont, IL. The conference brings together builders, suppliers, manufacturers and contractors to discuss current and future building trends. Register for the conference here.