Evanston Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Evanston Community Foundation supports racial equity, nonprofit capacity building, collaboration, urgent needs, early childhood and youth in Illinois.
FUNDING AREAS: Racial equity, nonprofit capacity building, collaboration, urgent needs, early childhood, youth
IP TAKE: Contact the foundation directly to get clarity about which grant programs are currently accepting applications and to learn about the most relevant opportunities for a nonprofit. This is an accessible found that encourages reaching out.
PROFILE: Established in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) is a community foundation based in Evanston, Illinois. ECF has experienced rapid growth since 2001 and assumes a responsibility to “align, strengthen and mobilize Evanston’s assets.” The foundation’s mission is “helping Evanston thrive as a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community, the Evanston Community Foundation builds, connects and distributes resources and knowledge through local organizations for the common good.” It funds local efforts for racial equity, nonprofit capacity building, collaboration, urgent needs, early childhood and youth.
The Evanston Community Foundation has various grant opportunities that are available at different times of the year. It awards responsive grants and rolling grants for the different opportunities. Nonprofits can apply for some grants directly, while other opportunities are available by invitation only. There are board members and community representatives that serve on ECF committees to make grantmaking decisions. Overall, grants address ECF’s three key goals of racial equity, collaboration and a thriving nonprofit community.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Evanston area of Illinois in the northern Chicago suburban region. Past local grantees include the Childcare Network of Evanston, Young Evanston Artists and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Cook County/North Suburban.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for some of its programs. Each program has its own unique set of guidelines and deadlines. Some programs require an initial letter of inquiry before submitting a full application. Direct general questions to the staff at info@evanstonforever.org or 847-492-0990.
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