we’re here for good, for a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community

It takes initiative to lead a community where it wants to go. Step one is settling on the goal — and that takes a lot of what we offer: listening, synthesizing and consensus-building. We’re engaging our community, making grants, training leaders, connecting people and organizations, while we tackle challenges and explore opportunities.  

we’re here for good

leading Evanston where it wants to go, building endowments for the future, providing resources for the present.

we’re here because

our founders and donors, our partners and volunteers are committed to a better future for Evanston.

we’re making a difference

responding to meet emerging needs and tackling longstanding problems, adding value.

News & Events

Join us on Wednesday, April 12th at noon for our next free nonprofit workshop. Nonprofit expert Sherry Quam Taylor will help you determine the impact of your Board Give/Get policy and make changes that will broaden your organization’s pipeline and lead every board member and donor to their best gift. Register here.

ECF joins forces with local organizations to provide non-partisan training for community members interested in running for local elections in April 2023. Access Public Service Challenge (PSC) videos here

Learn about ECF's Equity Promise, and stand with us by giving to the Now! Fund today. 

ECF leads effort to engage community as Evanston considers how to spend $43M in ARPA Rescue Funds. Learn more and read the report, available in English and Spanish.

The Reparations Stakeholders Authority of Evanston (RSAE) announced the establishment of a Fund with ECF that will provide investment support to advance Evanston’s Reparations Program.

Sobre la Fundación. ¡Se habla español! La oficina de Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) es bilingüe. Para servir a nuestra communidad de una manera mas efectiva, favor de contactarnos al 847-492-0990 o mándarnos un correo electrónico.

strategic plan

The four pillars of our strategic plan, approved and adopted in 2022 are:

orange-bullet.png We elevate voices

teal-bullet.png We build justice and resiliency

blue-bullet.png We connect and strengthen

red-bullet.png Evolve ECF

Learn more about our strategic plan – our mission, principles and goals – and how to invest with us.