APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: Spring 2026 Community-Led Grants

2026 GRANTS UPDATE:

The Evanston Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 Community-Led Grants Cycle. We invite all local organizations to apply and encourage all applicants to read through the requests for proposal (RFP). We appreciate your interest in this current grant cycle.

GRANTS OVERVIEW

Through a diverse grantmaking portfolio, the Evanston Community Foundation mobilizes resources to support nonprofits, grassroots groups, social initiatives, and strategic partnerships that create a more vibrant, just, and equitable Evanston.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

COMMUNITY-LED GRANTS:

Our community-led grantmaking approach places power in the hands of those most impacted by funding decisions. This method doesn’t just allocate funds; it channels them directly to the heart of community needs and priorities, ensuring every dollar makes a real difference. The Evanston Community Foundation offers Community-Led Grants in two cycles, Fall and Spring. These grants are for general operating purposes only. We are committed to empowering grassroots community groups and nonprofit organizations that prioritize racial equity in their mission, vision, and values. Our goal is to provide unrestricted, flexible funding to support essential operations and initiatives that address systemic inequities within the Evanston community.

Spring Cycle: January – April
Fall Cycle: May - September

DISCRETIONARY GRANTS:

Note: No unsolicited proposals or inquiries will be accepted.

Resilience Grants

Designed with community-need in mind, these special grants allow the Foundation to remain responsive and supportive of our local organizations, and the communities they serve in an ever-changing landscape.

Collective & Enduring Grants

Collective and Enduring Grants support collaborations, coalitions, or partnerships that brings together Nonprofit Organizations (budgets over $500,000 with 501c3 or fiscal sponsor) and other stakeholders to address challenges and change systems over the long term in Evanston.

Catalyst Grants

Catalyst Grants provide funding to Nonprofit Organizations (budgets over $500,000 with 501c3 or fiscal sponsor), Grassroots Community Groups (budgets of $500,000 or less with or without 501c3 or fiscal sponsor), and Businesses with a Charitable Purpose.

COHORT GRANTS:

Building the Future

Launched in 2017 with the selection of an inaugural cohort of six nonprofits, Building the Future is a major gift matching challenge (up to $25,000) and coaching program.

Partners for the Future

Partners for the Future is a major gift matching challenge (up to $100,000) to help Evanston nonprofit organizations grow and become more sustainable.