Strengthening Evanston's Future with the Illinois Gives Tax Credit
Stories
The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) is on a mission to build a resilient future for our community. To achieve this, we are seeking to raise $10 million to double our endowed Forever Fund by September 2027, coinciding with our 40th anniversary. And now, through the Illinois Gives Act, your gift will be both Good for You and Good for Evanston.
Maximize Your Impact
Thanks to the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act, your contributions to our Forever Fund are eligible for a 25% state income tax credit, amplifying your impact while investing in Evanston’s future. This opportunity is available for the first $3 million in annual gifts until at least 2029, but credits are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This state credit comes in addition to federal deductions, furthering this win-win.
Responding to Community Needs
Guided by our pillars: Investing in Evanston, Empowering Leaders, and Advancing Justice, we bring partners together and strategically distribute resources. Yet, our nonprofit sector continues to face significant challenges: growing demand alongside shrinking federal support.
Our community-led grantmaking model ensures funds go to those closest to the work. Still, each year, requests far exceed available resources. In 2020, we mobilized quickly to assist residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, we launched the Resilience Grants to help nonprofits weather funding cuts.
Our endowment, paired with strong donor partnerships, has been essential in providing critical support when it’s needed most. But our nonprofit partners tell us it’s not enough.
That’s why we are committed to seeking and activating new philanthropic dollars strategically, so that our whole community benefits. We remain dedicated to Investing in Evanston - For Now, Forever, and For Everyone.
“I believe very much in ECF's mission. In this era of diminishing governmental support for charitable efforts, it’s crucial for individuals to step up. I love that ECF partners with local groups to help those in need.”
— Beverly Sosa, Forever Fund Donor
A Call to Action
Join us in sustaining our mission. Contributions to the Forever Fund not only support ECF’s long-term goals but also fortify our responsiveness in times of greater need. We encourage you to give and claim your tax credit today. We hope Forever Fund donors consider giving in addition to annual Now Fund gifts as our grantee partners count on these dollars annually while the Forever Fund ensures our responsiveness for the future
To get started, contact us at development@evanstonforever.org.
Together, we can ensure Evanston has the resources it needs today and for generations to come.
Quick Links:
ECF's Forever Fund (Endowment) information/case for support
IL Dept. of Revenue information
ECF's Step by Step Guide to apply for a Contribution Authorization Certificate
