Urban Transformation Network

Urban Transformation Network is a minority-owned, non-profit organization registered to receive federal awards since July 15, 2015. Based in Illinois, the organization focuses on urban farming, community education, and conservation assistance, particularly targeting historically underserved producers and communities in the Chicagoland area and downstate Illinois. Urban Transformation Network's primary services to the federal government through grant awards involve promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing access to locally grown produce, and addressing issues of food insecurity and health disparities in urban areas.

The organization has received multiple federal grant awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902). These awards have supported various initiatives, including the development of six urban farms in the Chicagoland area, introducing gardening and farming principles to underserved groups, and promoting climate resiliency. Urban Transformation Network's projects also focus on maximizing the production of vegetables and fruits in communities lacking access to locally grown produce. Additionally, the organization provides training on crop production, nutrition, and raises awareness about the link between obesity and chronic health disparities. Their most recent award, a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement received on February 22, 2024, aims to provide conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and communities, including juveniles required to perform community service, across the Chicagoland area and downstate Illinois. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Urban Transformation Network's commitment to addressing both environmental and social issues through sustainable agriculture and community engagement.