new grant opportunities 2021

April 30, 2021 | ECF Press Release

ECF is offering two grant cycles to which organizations may apply: Community Innovation Grants and Organizational Growth & Sustainability Grants. 

We are offering Information Sessions where we will answer questions about the grant guidelines and community decision making process on May 4 and May 5. Register to attend

what are community innovation grants?

At the Evanston Community Foundation, we invest in great ideas and the people bringing them to life through our Community Innovation Grants. These grants are focused on supporting new or expanded innovative programs that:

  • Prioritize equitable opportunities and outcomes for Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC).
  • Support organizations working together to solve community challenges and change systems.
  • Embrace creative solutions that address community needs in ways that are more effective, equitable, or sustainable than standard approaches.

We want to support organizations to be bold and innovative in solving today’s challenges, particularly as we all work to reimagine a more equitable Evanston in a post-COVID world.

Who Can Apply: Any group or organization providing services to Evanston residents can apply for a grant. All proposals must address issues, concerns, or opportunities in the Evanston community. Additionally, applicants must fit in one of the following categories:

  • 501(c)(3) organization
  • Local school districts or a government entity
  • A project that has a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization
  • A for-profit organization, 501(c)(6) organization, or faith-based organization doing charitable work benefitting the general Evanston community

Grants are for a 12-month cycle and the first round of grant applications are due on 6/7/21. A committee made up of Evanston residents will decide the projects we fund.

what are organizational growth & sustainability grants?

This cycle has two main funding areas: 

  • Capacity Building Grants: Funding specific projects that support an organization’s long-term growth and development.
  • Operating Support Grants: Offering unrestricted flexible funding to support an organization’s sustainability.

Who Can Apply: Any group or organization providing services to Evanston residents can apply for a grant. All proposals must address issues, concerns, or opportunities in the Evanston community. Additionally, applicants must fit in one of the following categories:

  • 501(c)(3) organization
  • An organization that has a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization

Grants are for a 12-month cycle and the first round of grant applications are due on 9/12/21. A committee made up of Evanston residents will decide the projects we fund.

apply

Submit an application through ECF’s online grant system (GLM).  If you need access to a computer or help submitting your application online, please contact us by email or 847-492-0990.