Connecting Community Since 1986

EVANSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Every strong community needs a strong foundation. For 40 years, the Evanston Community Foundation has helped build that foundation by connecting people, resources, and opportunities to strengthen our community.

By Investing in Evanston, we connect generosity with opportunity through grantmaking and philanthropy. We connect people with purpose through leadership development and civic engagement to Empower Leaders. And through our commitment to Advancing Justice, we help create lasting change by addressing systemic barriers, expanding opportunity, and elevating community voice.

Together, these forever promises build a more resilient, equitable Evanston where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Investing in Evanston

For 40 years, we've invested in Evanston through community-led grantmaking and support to local nonprofits we invest in a thriving, just, and equitable Evanston.

Empowering Leaders

For 35 years, we've empowered Evanston's leaders through Leadership Evanston and nonprofit workshops. In 2024, we deepened this work through the launch of the Ubuntu Leadership Institute Initiative (ULI) providing expanded leadership development opportunities to help create a thriving and resilient Evanston.

Advancing Justice

For 40 years, we've worked toward a more just Evanston by channeling resources to parts of our community that will encourage a thriving and resilient Evanston.

$40

Million invested in Community.

1,200+

Organizations supported through grants and partnerships.

1,000+

Leaders developed and connected.

Explore ECF's Impact:

Our Grantees | Ubuntu Leadership Institute Initiative | Our Approach