HOW TO GET INVOLVED

FOR DONORS

Now and tomorrow, ECF invests in Evanston creatively and strategically. Our investments evolve to address our community’s most pressing challenges, seize opportunities, and act as a catalyst to bring ideas to life.

^{NOW FUND}

The Now Fund empowers ECF to serve the community now, and throughout the year, enabling us to make immediate grants, bring new ideas to fruition, and mobilize money, people, ideas, and talent.

^{FOREVER FUND}

Your contribution, whether $100 or $1,000,000, to our Forever Funds creates a lasting legacy. These funds are crucial to our endowment, allowing ECF to invest wisely and secure a brighter future.

Act Now: 25% Tax Credit Through Illinois Gives Act for Endowment Donors!

As of January 1st, 2025, ECF is pleased to share that we are qualified to issue a 25% tax credit through the IL Gives Act for the first $3,000,000 in gifts made annually to our endowed Forever Fund. Browse through our FAQ to learn more or email us with any questions you may have.

Image of stacked coins growing larger in amount.

WAYS TO GIVE

Browse below to learn about the many ways you can support ECF or click here to download our brochure. For your reference, ECF's Tax ID is: 36-3466802.

Payable to: The Evanston Community Foundation

Memo: Fund name to which you would like to direct your gift, and the organization you are associated with, if any. Please also include your name if granting a check from an externally held donor advised fund.

Mail to: 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 565 Evanston, IL 60201
CLICK HERE to make a gift online and pay by credit card.
Establish a Donor Advised Fund and receive an immediate tax deduction, while taking time to decide when and where to grant support to my community, in partnership with the Foundation. Please email us at development@evanstonforever.org to get started.
Use your Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation to serve as a Grantmaking Partner to support grant proposals that are highly rated by a community-member-led grants committee. We listen to community so you can show up for community.

If you would like to find out more about our grantmaking partners program download the brochure here. If you have any questions please email us at development@evanstonforever.org
If you are 70½ years old or older, you may gift any amount up to $100,000 per year from your IRA directly to the Foundation without having to pay income taxes. This gift can also count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) if you’re 73 or older.

A QCD from your RMD is especially advantageous as it does not generate taxable income nor a tax deduction, all while making a difference in your community. If you have any questions, please feel free to email development@evanstonforever.org
Your gift may be matched by your employer. Check here to see if your company has a matching gift program: Employee Match Program: Charity Navigator.
Partner with us and we will publicly and proudly lift up your support throughout the year and recognize you at our events, on social media, and in our newsletters. What to know more? CLICK HERE to check out our current list of Corporate Community Partners and how you can join the growing list of ECF's Corporate Community Partners.
Please CLICK HERE for a document with further instructions and account information to make a wire transfer.
Make a gift of securities so you may make a difference while avoiding capital gains tax. Please CLICK HERE for a document with further instructions.
If you have named or would like to name ECF as a beneficiary of your will, trust, IRA, retirement plan, life insurance, commercial annuity, or other entity, please email us at development@evanstonforever.org so we may honor you in The Legacy Society. You can feel inspired knowing your impact will truly thrive forever. Download the brochure here.
Establish an endowed fund to uplift ECF’s mission forever and for everyone. For example, support a specific philanthropic interest or non-profit, and or honor a loved one or family. Please email us at development@evanstonforever.org to learn more about the power of endowment.
As of January 1st, 2025, ECF is pleased to share that we are qualified to issue a 25% tax credit through the IL Gives Act for the first $3,000,000 in gifts made annually to our endowed Forever Fund. Click here to learn more.

_{THE IMPACT COLLECTIVE}

The Impact Collective is a monthly giving program designed to connect a community of passionate individuals who understand that true philanthropy knows no bounds, and that even the smallest acts of giving can yield immeasurable impact.

Whether you give $5, $12, or $100, your contribution becomes a catalyst for change, creating a ripple effect that reverberates throughout our community.

I joined The Impact Collective because I wanted to make a difference in my community and the monthly giving program allows me to support Evanston throughout the whole year. Since I can spread my gifts out, I can give more over time."

Tasha Triplett

Impact Collective Member

A picture of Robby Bardwell and Rebecca Parmet, ECF Development Staff