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.
By involving community members directly in the decision-making process, we elevate their voices and choices, making the process not only more transparent but also more accountable and effective. It’s about more than just funding—it’s about building a foundation of trust and partnership that transforms how results are achieved.
At the heart of our mission to foster innovation and support nonprofit sustainability, we've established grant committees. Each committee is powered by 10 to 12 visionary members, including one board member, ensuring a blend of fresh perspectives.
Our members are carefully selected from a rich pool of Leadership Evanston alumni and Advocates for Action, along with other notable community leadership programs. This diverse group not only brings a wealth of experience from various sectors but also reflects a broad spectrum of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Their unique insights are crucial in shaping our approach to grant-making, ensuring we support the most impactful initiatives.
By harnessing diverse viewpoints, we drive forward-thinking solutions that significantly impact our community's growth and resilience.
To align with our strategic vision of building justice and resiliency, The Community Foundation is proud to announce our latest grant cycle. This year, we are committed to empowering grassroots community groups and emerging nonprofits 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. Join us in strengthening Evanston and fostering a more just future for all.
