news from the foundation
July 7, 2020
Building Equity Is Our Business
When the COVID-19 pandemic began creating immediate needs in the Evanston Community, ECF launched the Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund (ECRRF) to continue supporting local nonprofits. Together with your generous donations, we raised over $2 million to ensure those who needed help were able to receive support. Read more
July 7, 2020
PEP Fund Provides Relief
The PTA Equity Project (PEP) Fund was founded to address fundraising disparities among District 65 PTAs, which was leading to inconsistent and inequitable experience for children across schools. With the rise of COVID-19, however, the Fund is now being operated for emergency relief, including the provision of 200 Chromebooks to District 65 students who need technology to access remote learning during this prolonged school closure. Read more
July 7, 2020
Addressing Immediate Needs During The Relieve Phase
The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) addressed immediate needs of the community in the Relieve phase of its work. With ECF community members leading the way in vetting and rating proposals, our team provided grants to nonprofit organizations and small businesses with a focus on feeding, housing, and providing remote access to learning for families with children. Read more
July 7, 2020
Juneteenth Celebrated
Evanston’s first annual Juneteenth parade and celebration took place on June 19, 20, and 27. Kemone Hendricks, the event's planner and owner/founder of Evanston Present and Future, wants Evanston residents to learn the history of Juneteenth and continue to celebrate it each year. “I hope people will remember Juneteenth the same way they remember July 4th. I want people to remember that Juneteenth is America’s real freedom day and to help me ensure that there is a parade in Evanston every year to celebrate freedom and alliance with the black community.” Read more
July 7, 2020
Inspiration From Donor Carolyn Sweers
The Evanston Community Foundation could not possibly conduct our work in the community without the consistent and generous support of its donors. During this critical time, donors reached out to share how they could best support the work of the foundation. After Carolyn Sweers received Monique’s letter describing the work of foundation leadership and the immediate need to address the disproportionate number of people of color impacted by the pandemic, she sprung into action. Read more
June 1, 2020 — ECF Press Release
ECF New Board Members
The Evanston Community Foundation today announced the addition of 5 new board members to its Board of Directors. Read more
November 5, 2019 — ECF Press Release
ECF Announces VP Philanthropy And Communications
Evanston Community Foundation announces Joi-Anissa Russell will join the organization as Vice President, Philanthropy and Communications. Read more
August 29, 2019 — ECF Press Release
ECF VP Of Programs Schroeder To Retire In 2020
ECF plans for transition as it honors and celebrates Schroeder's achievements. Read more
June 5, 2019 — ECF Press Release
Leadership Evanston Graduates 27th Class
Leadership Evanston Director, Jennifer G. Moran said, “As a cohort, Leadership Evanston XXVII found a collective voice for advocacy. Our work in Leadership Evanston encouraged active listening by the participants and resulted in five project teams highlighting the challenges for Evanston’s youth. After 27 years, Leadership Evanston continues to respond to the ever-changing landscape of our community.” Read more
May 31, 2019 — ECF Press Release
2019 Grant Awards Announced
ECF announced competitive and strategic grants totaling over $867,000 for 2019/2020. The 2018 Grant Awards Celebration and Annual Meeting was held on May 30, 2019. Read more