OUR WHY

ADVANCING JUSTICE

At the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), we support initiatives that center equity to strengthen our community and repair systemic harms.

WHAT THE DATA TELLS US

• Black and Latino children in Evanston are 6 times more likely to live in poverty than White children.

• 25% of Evanston households earn less than $35,000 a year.

• People in historically redlined communities in Evanston have a life expectancy that is 13 years shorter than those in other neighborhoods.

(Source: EPLAN, 2022)

A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Embedded in this pillar is the spirit of Ubuntu (oo-boon-too), a South African term that translates to “I am because we are.”

Ubuntu reflects our fundamental belief that true philanthropy is rooted in love of humanity and the interdependence between neighbors.

To fully live in the spirit of Ubuntu, we promise to forever Advance Justice in our work. These commitments include:

• Investing in collective initiatives and partnerships that address systemic inequities

• Prioritizing grantmaking investments to BIPOC-led organizations and small businesses that are committed to social change in Evanston

• Increasing partnerships, vendor relationships, and support for local women and BIPOC-owned businesses and nonprofits to strengthen the small-business landscape

“ When you give to ECF, the impact you want to have actually happens and it has ripple effects throughout the community. That’s because we’re connected, because of what we believe, and because of the relationships we have.”

-Chris Rothwell, ECF Board Member and Community Investment Committee Chair

“ When you think of a community foundation, the core of that is what’s best for the community, and when you think of justice work, that is what’s best for the community. To have someone who can drive those initiatives is essential and that’s what I feel has been so important about ECF. They have been able to support organizations in driving the initiative we all share of having a just and fair community in Evanston.”

-Kristin Drake, Director of Economic Advancement and Savings for Success Partner, YWCA Evanston/North Shore

HOW WE'RE ADVANCING JUSTICE TODAY

We aim to keep our promise by collaborating on community initiatives that address systemic inequities, with a key focus on racial justice, youth development, and economic stability.

Here is a snapshot of some of the programs we are currently championing to advance equity in our community:

Savings for Success is a partnership between YWCA Evanston/North Shore, District 65, and ECF that aims to make educational and economic mobility a reality for Evanston children by way of Postsecondary Savings Accounts.

Guaranteed Basic Income is an effort of Northwestern University, the City of Evanston, and ECF focused on building economic stability, helping ensure all residents can afford to live and thrive in Evanston.

Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Evanston (RSAE) is an advisory organization led by Black Evanstonians and supported by ECF to develop proposals and implement plans for reparations with a long-term goal of addressing historic racial disparities.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO

Forever channeling resources to parts of our community that have been most impacted by historical inequities. Our collaborative initiatives may shift or evolve over time, but our commitment to supporting a more just Evanston remains.

A LASTING IMPACT

By making a gift to our endowed Forever Fund, you will ensure our ability to Advance Justice both now and in perpetuity.