At the Evanston Community Foundation, our mission is to mobilize community resources to drive systemic social change in Evanston but, we’re not just talking about dollars and cents. We believe that community investment can be in the form of time, money, and expertise. Which is exactly what we’re here to uplift through this blog post — the critical impact that the sharing of knowledge and expertise can have on one’s community. Particularly, one’s grassroots and nonprofit community.  

Why Share? 

Grassroots and Nonprofit Organizations routinely find themselves at the frontline of many formidable fights, serving the most vulnerable populations, and their work is critical to ensuring our neighborhoods thrive. As a community foundation, it is our duty- and pleasure- to amplify the work of these strong, but often under-resourced organizations.

In recent years, we’ve expanded our support to include grassroots organizations, recognizing the vital role they play in sustaining and growing our community. This investment is not a temporary initiative—it’s one of our forever promises to Evanston. No matter what the future holds, our foundation is committed to standing by these organizations, ensuring they have the resources, support, and expertise to succeed.  

This is when relationship building becomes critical. Liz Jansen, Co-Founder and CEO of Women Unite!, has become a trusted partner of the foundation, and has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Having worked with both large institutions and grassroots organizations, she has spent her career showing the importance of collective action in driving progress. 

Liz’s organization, Women Unite!, is a capacity-building consulting firm that helps nonprofits enhance their impact. Through her work with the Evanston Community Foundation, Liz has generously shared her expertise with our local organizations, helping them grow stronger and more effective in their missions. From refining fundraising strategies to building sustainable programs, Liz has been instrumental in ensuring that Evanston’s nonprofit community is equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. 

Her dedication to the nonprofit sector is further demonstrated by her previous roles, including Vice President of Development at Healthcare Alternative Systems, where she increased annual fundraising by an impressive 130%. Her extensive grant writing experience, managing large portfolios of foundations and corporations, has empowered countless organizations to achieve long-term success. 

Liz embodies the kind of collaboration that makes our work in Evanston meaningful. She reminds us that progress is best achieved when we come together, pooling our resources and talents for the common good. Her leadership and commitment to sharing knowledge have made a lasting impact on Evanston’s grassroots and nonprofit communities. 

Together, with leaders like Liz, we will continue building a stronger, more resilient Evanston. 

Liz Jansen speaks at Community Impact Celebration 2024. Watch Now.