expanding capacity, developing leaders

A strong community needs strong organizations and inspired leaders, committed volunteers and engaged citizens.

The Foundation works to strengthen nonprofits and equip their leaders for future challenges. Our programs broaden and deepen community knowledge, setting the stage for effective civic engagement and helping citizens make a difference.

we strengthen nonprofits

trouble-shooting, listening, sharing expertise, enhancing capacity, ECF supports nonprofits.

we develop leaders

enhancing community knowledge to increase civic engagement, developing more effective leaders. Explore Leadership Evanston.

we offer workshops

to help organizations grow their capacity and network with each other. Learn about upcoming workshops

News & Events

Join us on Wednesday, April 12th at noon for our next free nonprofit workshop. Nonprofit expert Sherry Quam Taylor will help you determine the impact of your Board Give/Get policy and make changes that will broaden your organization’s pipeline and lead every board member and donor to their best gift. Register here.

ECF joins forces with local organizations to provide non-partisan training for community members interested in running for local elections in April 2023. Access Public Service Challenge (PSC) videos here

Learn about ECF's Equity Promise, and stand with us by giving to the Now! Fund today. 

ECF leads effort to engage community as Evanston considers how to spend $43M in ARPA Rescue Funds. Learn more and read the report, available in English and Spanish.

The Reparations Stakeholders Authority of Evanston (RSAE) announced the establishment of a Fund with ECF that will provide investment support to advance Evanston’s Reparations Program.

Sobre la Fundación. ¡Se habla español! La oficina de Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) es bilingüe. Para servir a nuestra communidad de una manera mas efectiva, favor de contactarnos al 847-492-0990 o mándarnos un correo electrónico.

is your organization sustainable?

Nonprofit board members and staff know the importance of establishing stable, predictable sources of income. Like personal savings, an organizational endowment fund at ECF can provide your organization with a reliable source of additional income each year.