FEED THE HOOD NFP | 2026 BETA PROGRAM

Chicago Cultural Renaissance | A.R.C. & G.H.E.T.T.O. Agenda

Feed The Hood NFP is launching its 2026 Beta Program, a pilot initiative designed to support emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, wellness practitioners, community organizations, and collaborators who want to grow with us as we build a new cultural and economic foundation for the Chicagoland.

This program is for people and businesses who want to be part of our cultural renaissance, not just as participants, but as partners.

We are now reviewing applications for the 2026 Feed The Hood NFP Beta Program, beginning January 2026.

Click here to learn more about Feed The Hood NFP.

⭐ WHAT IS THE BETA PROGRAM?

The Feed The Hood Beta Program is an invite-only, impact-driven pilot designed to:

  • Support community partners through branding, communications, consulting, and event-based development
  • Build a network of aligned creatives, businesses, and organizations
  • Pilot new programs, workshops, events, and cultural activations
  • Collect data, case studies, and impact metrics for long term growth
  • Offer discounted, subsidized, or co-created services in exchange for measurable collaboration
  • Strengthen our ecosystem as we expand the Chicago Cultural Renaissance

This program operates in Quarterly Cohorts (Q1–Q4) and rolls up into one Annual Impact Report.

Spaces are limited each quarter.

⭐ THREE WAYS TO JOIN

This program operates in three tiers:

TIER 1: CLIENT-PARTNER

Ideal for individuals who want to receive professional services such as discounted or subsidized communications, branding, consulting, PR, or event support services.

Best for:

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Wellness practitioners
  • Creative professionals
  • Startups
  • Community focused businesses
  • Emerging nonprofit leaders

Client-Partner commits to:

  • Monthly Check-Ins
  • Defined deliverables
    • Program Milestones
  • Event participation
    • At least one event per quarter
  • Co-branding
  • Media + case study permission
    • KPI and Impact Reporting
  • Professional standards

Services Provided:

  • Communications Strategy
  • Branding & Identity development
  • PR & Media Relations
  • Event Support
  • Business and Operational Consulting
  • Data & Impact Tracking
  • Narrative and Content development
  • Access to Our Partner Ecosystem

Expectations:

  • Beta Program Retainer
  • Media + Case Study Permissions
  • Attendance at Monthly Check-Ins
  • Tracking Metrics & KPIs
  • Participation in at Least One Event Per Quarter

Client-Partners help shape the operational backbone of our hybrid nonprofit/social enterprise model.

TIER 2: COLLABORATOR-PARTNERS

For partners who want to contribute through service and resource sharing such as:

  • Talent
  • Media
  • Photography/Videography
  • Creative and Technical Services
  • Event Production
  • Community engagement support
  • Workshops or expertise

Contributions May Include:

  • Media Coverage
  • Creative and Technical Services
  • DJs & Entertainment
  • Event Staffing
  • Press and Publishing
  • Photography/Videography
  • Venue Access
  • Event Operations

What Collaborators Receive:

  • Co-branding
  • Visibility at Events
  • Cross-Promotion
  • Access to the FTH network
  • Inclusion in Media Materials
  • Strategic Partnership Status

Collaborators commit to:

  • Defined Deliverables
  • Professional Communication
  • Co-branding alignment
  • Event participation when needed
  • Media + Case Study permissions

Collaborators help build the engine of the Feed The Hood ecosystem.

TIER 3: CULTURAL-PARTNER (Hybrid)

For partners who receives services and contributes services, resources, talent to the ecosystem, making the strategic value equal.

This partnership is for those:

  • deeply aligned with our mission
  • Needs support to grow and…..
    • Wants to contribute to the FTH cultural renaissance
  • Plays an integral roles in our events and media ecosystem

Cultural Partners Receive:
All benefits of Client-Partners and Collaborative-Partner

  • Priority service access
    • Branding & communications services
    • PR & media support
    • Event performance slots
    • Co-branding opportunities
    • Special project collaborations
    • Placement on panels, mixers, and showcases
    • Early access to sponsorship opportunities
    • Featured roles in promotional campaigns
    • Early access to program announcements
  • Expanded visibility
  • Inclusion in special events/panels
  • Priority onboarding into future paid programs
  • Collaborative planning opportunities
  • Eligibility for revenue-sharing opportunities (optional)

Cultural Partners contribute:

  • Services and Resources that support programming
  • Creative or operational support
  • Talent, media, or content
  • Community Engagement
  • Event Production Assistance

This pathway embodies our vision for collective cultural transformation.

⭐ QUARTERLY PROGRAM CYCLE

The Beta Program runs in quarterly cohorts:

Q1 Cohort: January 1 -March 31
Q2 Cohort: April 1 -June 30
Q3 Cohort: July 1 – September 30
Q4 Cohort: October 1 -December 31

Each quarter includes:

  • Service delivery
  • Impact reporting
  • Event participation
  • Workshops or training
  • Sponsor reports
  • Quarterly evaluations

All four quarters roll into one Annual Impact Report released January 2027 at the annual “Chicago Cultural Renaissance Summit.”

⭐ HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application form below. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email, and our team will follow up within 7-10 business days.

We review applications every Sunday.
Onboarding sessions take place every Monday.

⭐ APPLICATION FEE

There is a $20 non-refundable application fee to support administrative and program development costs. Fee waivers are available only for internal invitations or special circumstances.

⭐ WHO SHOULD APPLY?

You are a perfect fit if you are:

  • A creative or entrepreneur growing your brand
  • A healer or wellness practitioner expanding services
  • A DJ, artist, or cultural curator
  • A media platform or journalist
  • A small business or nonprofit
  • A community leader or organizer
  • A venue or event partner
  • A Chicago native dedicated to cultural transformation

⭐ HOW TO APPLY

  • Step 1: Complete the application form below
  • Step 2: Submit the $20 application fee
  • Step 3: Upload any required assets
  • Step 4: Wait for confirmation

Applications are reviewed weekly. Onboarding occurs every Monday.


⭐ APPLY BELOW

Join the Beta Program

⭐ SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

NEED SUPPORT OR SPONSORSHIP INSTEAD?

If you’re a business, brand, or organization looking to sponsor events, partner with us, or support the Chicago Cultural Renaissance, please review our 2026 Sponsorship Packet.

Feed The Hood offers two sponsor tier structures depending on the scale of the partner:

Option A | Corporate & Institutional Sponsors

$1,500 | Community Partner
$5,000 | Impact Partner
$10,000 | Cultural Renaissance Partner
$25,000 | Legacy Partner

Option B | Small Business & Grassroots Partners

$500 | Supporter
$2,500 | Community Builder
$7,500 | Impact Leader
$15,000 | Renaissance Partner

Sponsors receive:

  • Brand Placement
  • Social Media Promotion
  • Press Release Inclusion
  • Event Signage
  • Vendor Opportunities
  • VIP Access
  • Program Booklet Listing
  • Co-Branded Marketing
  • Annual Impact Report Recognition
Become a Sponsor


Download the Sponsorship Packet & Apply Today

⭐ GET INVOLVED

Whether you’re a creative, a business owner, a nonprofit, a community leader, or a resident there’s a place for you at Feed The Hood.

Ways to Join Us:

  • Become a Client-Partner
  • Collaborate with us
  • Sponsor an event
  • Volunteer
  • Host a workshop
  • Attend an event
  • Donate