in the media

May 25, 2019 — NBC Chicago Making a Difference (TV)

Spreading the word! Monique Jones talked about ECF on NBC Chicago’s Making a Difference.

Monique Jones interviewed on NBC Chicago Making a Difference, May 25, 2019. https://www.nbcchicago.com/on-air/as-seen-on/evanston-community-foundation-grant-awards-celebration-and-annual-meeting-510430662.html

August 8, 2018 — Evanston RoundTable

EC2C Puts the Focus on 'Systems Change'

Partners of the Evanston Cradle to Career initiative (EC2C) focused on “systems change” at their July 26. Sheila Merry, Executive Director of EC2C, said systems change “may reframe in modest ways the way we approach this work.” The vision of EC2C is “By the age of 23, all Evanston young adults will be on the path to leading happy, healthy, productive, and satisfying lives.” More than 40 organizations, including ECF, are currently partnering in EC2C. Article by: Larry Gavin Download PDF

July 25, 2018 — Evanston RoundTable

Books and Breakfast: A Big Impact in Just an Hour a Day

The program, Books and Breakfast (B&B), has gone through several iterations over three decades, but it is currently serving more than 120 children in District 65 who qualify for federally funded free or reduced lunch but do not attend schools authorized to provide it. ECF is among the stakeholders in this community effort. Article by: Judy Chiss. Download PDF

July 20, 2018 — Broadway World Chicago

Northlight Launches 'Arts for Everyone'

Northlight Theatre announced a new initiative, "Arts for Everyone," a program that provides free tickets to every production in the upcoming 2018-19 season. Northlight will pilot this program with existing partners including Y.O.U. (Youth & Opportunity United), YWCA Evanston/North Shore, and Family Focus, and eventually expand to the Evanston and Skokie Public Libraries. The goal of this initiative is to break down any barriers that exist to accessing theatre, starting with ticket costs. Northlight is committed to reaching a broader, more diverse audience and anticipates the "Arts for Everyone" program will help achieve this objective. Evanston Community Foundation is among the organizations that provide support to Northlight. Article by: BWW News Desk Download PDF

June 11, 2018 — Evanston Patch

32 Firearms Turned In At Evanston Gun Buyback

Police announced 32 guns were brought in to a gun buyback event Saturday at Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Evanston. Former Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and the Evanston Community Foundation raised funds to establish the Evanston's first gun buyback following the 2012 murders of Dajae Coleman and Javar Bamberg. Article by: Jonah Meadows. Download PDF

May 3, 2018 — Evanston RoundTable

EC2C Adopts Ambitious Goal to Increase Kindergarten Readiness

On April 27, partnering organizations in the Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C) initiative approved an overarching goal to substantially increase the percentage of children who are kindergarten ready when they enter School District 65. Article by: Larry Gavin. Download PDF

April 27, 2018 — Evanston RoundTable

More Than 30 Evanston Organizations Join In Equity Statement

On April 27, more than 30 social service providers and civic, education, and faith-based organizations from across Evanston released a joint statement affirming a shared commitment to equity and the work being undertaken by people of multiple social identities to address issues of race, racism, and bias. These organizations across Evanston share in a belief that the community must engage in open and honest dialogue in order to create a socially just and welcoming Evanston - a city where all people regardless of race, ethnicity, mental and physical ability status, gender identity, sexual identity, citizenship status, and religion feel a sense of belonging. Download PDF

March 14, 2018 — Daily Northwestern

NDUM 2018 Raised Over $1.1 Million for Cradles to Crayons and ECF

ECF has been the second beneficiary of NUDM for 21 years. Dance Marathon raised $1,175,709 this year, breaking $1 million for the eighth year in a row. Evanston Community Foundation, which supports local organizations in their missions, received $104,754.80. The 30-hour event’s primary beneficiary, Cradles to Crayons, was presented a check for $942,793.20. Cradles to Crayons is a nonprofit organization that provides essential materials, from clothes to school supplies, to low income children in Chicagoland. Article by Alexis White, Assistant Campus Editor, Download PDF

March 11, 2018 — North by Northwestern

NUDM raises over $1.1 million for Cradles to Crayons, Evanston Community Foundation

Dance Marathon poses the same question with its fundraising each year: How much is 30 hours worth? This year, the answer is $1,175,709, along with effort and emotion – marking another year that DM raised over $1 million for its beneficiaries. That money was split between the primary beneficiary, Cradles to Crayons, and the secondary, Evanston Community Foundation. Article by Justin Curto and Victoria Alfred-Levow. Download PDF

March 9, 2018 — North by Northwestern

Talking with Monique B Jones Before NUDM 2018

NBN sat down with the President and CEO of the Evanston Community Foundation, Monique Jones, right before NUDM 2018 officially kicked off. Jones has been in her position since 2015, but EFC has been the secondary beneficiary of NUDM for decades. Here's what she had to say about this year's event. Article by Elissa Gray. Download PDF

March 9, 2018 — Daily Northwestern

NUDM 2018, Block 1: Comic Books and Captain Hooks

For the 44th year, more than 1,000 Dance Marathon participants began 30 hours of dancing. The block also featured Monique Jones, president and CEO of ECF. She told the crowd ECF worked to help Cradles to Crayons expand to Evanston. She added that the dancers’ effort was “meaningful. I want (students) to understand what that impact (of NUDM) will do for the primary organization which is new to Chicago and would be new to Evanston,” Jones said. “And what it does for the ECF, too.” Article by Alexis White and Caitlin Chen. Download PDF

January 31, 2018 — Evanston Now

Chessmen to mark 60th year with two awards

The Chessmen Club will present community service awards to Tim Rhoze and Ann Balusek at a benefit event March 17 marking the group's 60th year of operation. Philanthropist Ann Balusek has made an invaluable impact on Evanston and the black community, Dotson says. Through her family’s Mammel Foundation, which funds the Evanston Community Foundation’s Root2Fruit Grant, Ann has given over $1.5 million to local organizations. Download PDF

January 2, 2018 — Evanston Review

Families Ring in New Year with "FIrst" Celebration

"First Night Evanston gives the audience a choice of almost 25 hours of live performances for a very reasonable fee," said Emily Guthrie, vice-president of the board of directors with First Night Evanston. She said a 2006 study funded by the Illinois Arts Council and the Evanston Community Foundation found that Evanston has 10 times the national average of artists living there. Download PDF

December 4, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

YEA! board members dissolve organization, hope to continue annual children’s art festival

Young Evanston Artists board members voted Nov. 27 to dissolve the organization following founder Harvey Pranian’s decision to take a step back from his role as project director. A joint YEA! and ECF Nov. 9 news release said grants will be used to support projects and other opportunities to advance the development of Evanston children and youth through the arts. Download PDF

November 20, 2017 — shop Evanston

Evanston Community Foundation Helps Evanston Thrive

An overview of ECF's role in the community, introduced by ECF President and CEO Monique B. Jones "ECF has a goal of being a sustainable resource for Evanston". Download PDF

November 15, 2017 — Evanston RoundTable

EC2C Creating a Culture of Partnering to Help Children Succeed

On Oct. 27, the Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C) initiative held its quarterly partners meeting at Evanston Township High School, attended by leaders of more than 30 partnering organizations. The partners announced how $172,500 in recent fundingfrom United Way of Metropolitan Chicago would be allocated, and they discussed a “bold goal” around kindergarten readiness. United Way recently made a grant of $172,500 to EC2C, to be managed by the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF). At their July 20 meeting, partners of EC2C determined the guidelines for distributing the grant. Under these guidelines, applications for the grant had to be submitted by EC2C partners, with at least three partners participating in each application; and the focus had to be on “systems change” rather than program offerings, said Marybeth Schroeder, Vice President for Programs at ECF. Download PDF

November 6, 2017 — Moran Center for Youth Advocacy - Press Release

JUSTICE LEAGUE MEETS JUSTICE CHALLENGE

The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy (“Moran Center”) has successfully completed a“Partners for the Future” (PFF) challenge grant from the Evanston Community Foundation (“ECF”), receiving $100,000 in matching funds. The Moran Center publicly launched the “Justice Challenge” in January 2017, asking donors to join the “Justice League” by making a commitment to close the justice gap for kids in our community. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the Moran Center completed the terms of the matching challenge well in advance of the one-year deadline. Download PDF

November 1, 2017 — Evanston Woman

2017 Brilliant Business Women

Fifteen women named "2017's Brilliant Business Women" including ECF's President and CEO Monique B. Jones. Download PDF

September 21, 2017 — Sun-Times

Mitchell Museum Marks 40 Years of Celebrating Native American Cultures

“We’re a pretty unique museum and really only a handful of institutions in the U.S. share our scope,” says Mitchell Museum executive director Kathleen McDonald. Funding provided by donors including the Chicago Community Trust, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Evanston Community Foundation. Article by: Selena Fragassi. Download PDF

September 14, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

ECF and NUDM Receive MashUp Catalyst Award

At the eighth annual Evanston MashUp, Northwestern University Dance Marathon and the Evanston Community Foundation received the Evanston/Northwestern Catalyst Award, an annual award given to recognize people and organizations with committed partnerships between NU and the city. Amy Monday, ECF’s development officer, was also on stage with Nussbaum to accept the award. She said the partnership with NUDM has been instrumental to the foundation’s success. Article by Elizabeth Bryne, photo by Jeffrey Wang. Download PDF

September 6, 2017 — Globenewswire

Evanston MashUp to Honor Trailblazing Chief of Police, Northwestern Dance Marathon and Evanston Community Foundation

The Evanston/Northwestern Catalyst Award recognizes a person or organization that embodies the spirit of community partnership and collaboration between Northwestern University and the City of Evanston that should be celebrated and modeled in other areas. The partnership between the Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) and Evanston Community Foundation epitomizes this award, and is why the two organizations will be named the 2017 recipients of the Catalyst Award at the September 12, 2017 MashUp event. Article by Marina Marich, Evanston MashUp. Download PDF

August 28, 2017 — Evanston Now

Equity is the Byword as the School Year Begins

As students returned to school, Evanston school superintendents Paul Goren and Eric Witherspoon remarked on the districts' commitment to equity work, and they reflected on the various faith communities and Evanston organizations also invested in equity work, including the Evanston Community Foundation. Article by Charles Bartling. Download PDF

July 17, 2017 — Streetwise

Evanston Work Ethic Program

Eight Evanston Township High School students are participating in the first cohort of the WE Program, which provides opportunities to students planning to enroll in an accredited vocational or technical program after graduation in fields such as automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and transportation. “We’re very focused on four-year college everywhere in the country, particularly maybe in Evanston. So, we’ve really been interested in this issue and presenting young people with the different options there are for a successful life,” said Marybeth Schroeder, Vice President for Programs at the Evanston Community Foundation. Article by Alexandria Johnson. Download PDF

July 12, 2017 — Evanston RoundTable

Walking in Their Shoes: Moran Center Staff Attend Workshops on Trauma-Informed Care

During the first six months of this year, thanks to a grant from the Evanston Community Foundation, the social workers, attorneys, staff, and board members of the Moran Center attended workshops on providing trauma-informed services. Article by Tory Bussey. Download PDF

May 31, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

ECF Announces More than $800,000 in Grants

The Evanston Community Foundation awarded a number of strategic grants at an annual celebration on Tuesday. Article by Katie Pach. Download PDF

May 30, 2017 — Evanston Now

ECF Sets Info Session on Donor Advised Funds

The Evanston Commuity Foundation will host an information session, “Donor Advised Funds: What ECF Can Do for You,” on Thursday, June 15, from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. in the Rotary Conference Area at One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave. Wealth planning expert Kirk Hoopingarner, a partner in the Trusts and Estates and Tax-Exempt Organizations Practice Groups at Quarles & Brady, LLP will explore the tax advantages of establishing donor advised funds while empowering individual philanthropy. Remarks will be made by ECF’s Investment Council Co-chair Ralph Segall, Chief Investment Officer at Segall, Bryant & Hamill, and Investment Council Co-chair Bill Blanchard, Financial Advisor, Private Wealth Management, UBS. Article by Charles Bartling. Download PDF

May 23, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

Cradles to Crayons NUDM 2018 Primary Beneficiary

Children's nonprofit Cradles to Crayons will be the primary beneficiary for Northwestern's Dance Marathon next year. Cradles to Crayons provides children up to age 12 who are either homeless or come from low-income families with essential items, such as clothes and books, according to the release. NUDM also announced the Evanston Community Foundation will again be its secondary beneficiary. Article by Catherine Kim. Download PDF

April 25, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

Leadership Evanston Celebrates 25th Anniversary

After 25 years of providing leadership classes for local residents and workers, community program Leadership Evanston honored some of the people who best characterized its ideals. Among those recognized as emblematic of the program’s past, present and future was SESP junior John Wylie, who volunteers for Emerge — a related program — as a facilitator. Article by Amelia Langas. Download PDF

March 5, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

Dance Marathon 2017 Raises Over $1.2 Million to Support GiGi's Playhouse, Evanston Community Foundation

Dance Marathon 2017 raised $1,253,596, reaching a total of more than $1 million for the seventh consecutive year and just over $50,000 more than the 2016 total. DM presented the Evanston Community Foundation, the secondary beneficiary of 20 years, with $109,314 — the largest check to ECF in DM’s history — so the foundation can continue supporting local organizations and projects. Article by Kristina Karisch and Rishika Dugyala. Download PDF

March 3, 2017 — Northwestern News (news.northwestern.edu)

20 year dance partnership that keeps on giving

Northwestern University’s 43rd annual Dance Marathon (DM) will kick off today, March 3, and the giant check that will be displayed on stage 30 hours later is certain to make the exhausted dancers in the giant tent go wild with applause. No one knows the drill better than the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), Dance Marathon’s secondary beneficiary for the last 20 years, making it one of NUDM’s longest and strongest partnerships. Written by Stephanie Kulke with contributions from Pat Vaughan Tremmel. Download PDF

February 21, 2017 — Northwestern News (news.northwestern.edu

Dance Marathon Supporting, Celebrating GiGi's Playhouse

Northwestern gearing up for nonstop dancing March 3 to 5 to benefit two beneficiaries: primary beneficiary GiGi’s Playhouse supports individuals with Down syndrome and NU students vow to become first “Generation G” (GiGi) college campus in U.S. Evanston Community Foundation named second beneficiary for 20th consecutive year. Download PDF

February 17, 2017 — Evanston Now

Work Ethic Program Promotes 'Lifelong Employability"

In launching the new Evanston Work Ethic Program (WE), Evanston community leaders say they are creating a model to address the shortfall between what businesses are increasingly looking for in employees and what high schools are supplying. Awarded an Evanston Community Foundation root2fruit grant, this program launched at the Forest E. Powell Foundation established by community organizer Hecky Powell. (Related story also appeared in Evanston Patch on Feb. 22, 2017 by Jonah Meadows). Download PDF

January 18, 2017 — Daily Northwestern

EPL Expands Popular WiFI Hotspots Program

The Evanston Public Library is expanding its WiFi hotspot program to local schools this month after launching a pilot program, one of the first of its kind in the country, last May. According to the news release, the program’s expansion is due in part to a $15,000 grant from the Evanston Community Foundation to advance EPL’s efforts to expand residents’ digital skills. The expansion was also possible because of the pilot program’s success. Article by Syd Stone. Download PDF

January 2, 2017 — Evanston Magazine

Mitchell Museum - Deconstructing Stereotypes

In partnership with the City of Evanston, and with support from the Evanston Arts Council and Evanston Community Foundation, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian held a reception to celebrate its newly opened exhibit entitled Deconstructing Stereotypes: Top Ten Truths about Native Peoples. Article by Stacy Flannery. Download PDF

November 30, 2016 — Evanston RoundTable

EC2C Adopts Equity Statement

On Nov. 18, representatives of many partnering organizations in the Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C) initiative met at Evanston Township High School and approved an EC2C Equity Statement. ECF is one of the 40 partners built on the premise of collective impact. Article by Larry Gavin. Download PDF

November 15, 2016 — Daily Northwestern

New Evanston Arts Council Committee Aims to Unite Businesses with Artists

A new Evanston Creative Commerce Committee has been formed in an effort to facilitate work between artists and businesses in the city. The process for creating the group started a couple years ago when the art and business committee in the Evanston Arts Council stagnated, committee member Charlotta Koppanyi said. Leadership Evanston, a program through the Evanston Community Foundation, began researching alternative ways to promote the arts in business within the city. Download PDF

October 4, 2016 — Daily Northwestern

Foundation Aims to Expand in 30th Year

The Evanston Community Foundation celebrated 30 years of assisting local organizations, highlighting its plans to expand its efforts in the near future. ECF development officer Amy Monday said the foundation aims to grow their endowment funds to help Evanston residents and those who work in the city. Syndey Stone, reporter. Download PDF

September 19, 2016 — Evanston Now

Full House Expected for Foundation Gala

The Evanston Community Foundation's new president, Monique Jones, says the group is looking forward to the best event it's ever had when supporters gather this Thursday for a sold-out fundraiser marking the foundation's 30th anniversary. Download PDF

August 31, 2016 — McGaw YMCA blog

Evanston Community Foundation: Partnering with McGaw for a Stronger Community

Evanston residents would be hard pressed to name a local organization or issue that the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) has not impacted in some way. The McGaw YMCA is no exception: through responsive and capacity-building grants, as well as donor advised and designated funds, ECF is one of the McGaw YMCA’s most loyal supporters. Download PDF

August 24, 2016 — Evanston Roundtable

EC2C Provisionally Adopts Goals and Outcomes, Nears an Equity Statement

On Aug. 11, approximately 30 representatives of the partner organizations in the Evanston Cradle to Career Initiative (EC2C) held a partners’ meeting at Evanston Township High School to discuss goals and outcomes, an equity statement, and examples of some successes. The partners act much like a board of directors of EC2C. Article by: Larry Gavin. Download PDF

August 22, 2016 — Evanston Now

Cradle to Career Boosts Summer Reading

The Evanston Cradle to Career initiative says its partner organizations more than doubled participation in free summer literacy programs and reached more than 5,000 youngsters this summer. The effort is intended to increase literacy and reduce summer learning loss. The programs included ABC Boosters, a partnership among the Evanston Public Library, the Youth Job Center, the Evanston Community Foundation and school Districts 65 and 202. Download PDF

July 28, 2016 — Evanston Roundtable

Cradle to Career Team Discusses Equity

On July 20, the Large Group Solution Design Team of the Evanston Cradle to Career (EC2C) initiative met for two hours at Evanston Township High School to discuss equity and how to keep it at the forefront of their work. Written by Larry Gavin. Download PDF

July 15, 2016 — Evanston Roundtable

ECF CEO Talks about the Community and the Foundation

Corrections submitted by ECF appear in this version of the article and the corrections were posted on the Roundtable website 7.15.16. Download PDF

May 25, 2016 — NUDM.org

NUDM 2017 and GiGi's Playhouse

GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit organization that provides free therapeutic programming and support to individuals with Down syndrome, has been selected as the primary beneficiary for Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) 2017. For the 20th year, Evanston Community Foundation will be the secondary beneficiary. Northwestern students will also have the opportunity to participate in ECF service events alongside individuals from GiGi’s. Download PDF

May 4, 2016 — Evanston Roundtable

'Dear Evanston' Project Looks at Youth Violence

“Dear Evanston,” the project of one group in the most recent Leadership Evanston class, is a Facebook page with posts from Evanston residents about racial equity and youth violence in this eight-square-mile community. Members of the group are Juliet Bond, Mitchell Smith, Teeneka Jones-Gueye, Nick Gehl, Amy Monday, and Nina Kavin who adminsters the #dearevanston page. Download PDF

March 28, 2016 — Evanston Now

New Fund to Support Early Childhood Care

The boards of the Evanston Day Nursery and the Evanston Community Foundation today announced creation of the EDN Fund for Early Childhood. Grants from the fund will support the development of children aged 0 – 5, including early learning and language acquisition and access to high quality early childhood programs. Download PDF

March 24, 2016 — Evanston Now

Fundraiser Success to Let Connections Re-Open Showers

Connections for the Homeless plans to reopen its shower facilities in Evanston for people who are homeless on April 4 — facilities it had to close last July because of the state budget impasse. The group's director of development,Sue Loellbach, today said that thanks to a successful fundraising gala last weekend and a $6,000 Catalyst grant from the Evanston Community foundation the showers will be open from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays for up to 20 people each day. Download PDF

March 5, 2016 — Daily Northwestern

Block 6: What Team? Wildcats!

Block 6 featured the community 5k/10k race and during the block, DM’s community engagement co-chairs Marissa Mizroch, a Medill junior and former Daily staffer, and Justin Marquez, a Weinberg senior, also spoke about the organization’s focus on service this year. Marquez discussed Blessings in a Backpack’s built-in service component, which included packing bags of food for students in Evanston each Thursday during Fall and Winter Quarter. Article by Juliet Freudman and Tucker Johnson. Download PDF

March 5, 2016 — Daily Northwestern

New Dance Marathon Committee Focuses on Relationship with Second Beneficiary Evanston Community Foundation

In its 19th year of partnership with the Evanston Community Foundation, Dance Marathon’s inaugural community engagement committee worked to emphasize DM’s relationship with its secondary beneficiary. Article by Marissa H Page Download PDF

March 5, 2016 — North by Northwestern

5 Questions with the President and CEO of Evanston Community Foundation

At the end of Block 6, we also sat down with Monique Brunson Jones, president and CEO of the Evanston Community Foundation, the secondary beneficiary for NUDM. Here's what she said about ECF's partnership with DM. Article by Leo Ji. Download PDF

March 4, 2016 — North by Northwestern

Dance Marathon 2016 Kicks Off with Speeches from Beneficiary Representatives

Dance Marathon kicked off with speeches from secondary beneficiary Evanston Community Foundation representative Monique Jones and primary beneficiary Blessings in a Backpack liaison Shannon Fitzgerald. Article by Caroline Spiezio. Download PDF

February 29, 2016 — Norhwestern News

NUDM 2016 to Help Feed Hungry Children in Chicago Area

From March 4 to 6, NUDM will celebrate the conclusion of a yearlong student-run philanthropic effort supporting Blessings in a Backpack and the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), NUDM 2016’s primary and secondary beneficiaries, respectively. Reporter Judy Moore. Download PDF

February 28, 2016 — Daily Northwestern

ETHS Officials, Community Members Workshop New School Goals

Members of the Evanston community met Saturday at Evanston Township High School to workshop the District 202 Board of Education’s proposed new goals, which were presented at a public meeting in October. ECF's Marybeth Schroeder participated in the brainstorming session. Reporter Darby Hopper. Download PDF

February 22, 2016 — Evanston Review

Shout Out: Monique Brunson Jones, ECF

Named in November as the Evanston Community Foundation's (ECF) new president and CEO, Monique Brunson Jones is taking the reigns of organization with a pretty impressive track record. Bob Seidenberg, reporter. Download PDF

February 14, 2016 — Pioneer Press

Dear Evanston: Project Uses Social Medai to Address Violence

A half-dozen Evanston community members recently launched a social media campaign to drive awareness of violence in the city, provide a platform for those affected by it and hopefully drum up some solutions to the problem, according to the campaign's organizers. Lee V. Gaines, freelance reporter. Download PDF

February 7, 2016 — Daily Northwestern

Social Media Campaign Launches in Evanston to Limit Violence

A project group in Leadership Evanston XXIV recently launched the "dear evanston" campaign to give Evanston residents a platform to voice their thoughts on violence in the city. This emerging project, one of several underway by the Leadership participants, has Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as a website. Download PDF

December 1, 2015 — Evanston Magazine

Celebrate!Evanston Growing Together

Photos from Celebrate!Evanston featured in the magazine's Living&Giving section including ECF's CEO and President Monique B. Jones with ECF board president Mike Brody and Mayor Liz Tisdahl. Download PDF

November 26, 2015 — Chicago Tribune - Evanston Review

Celebrate!Evanston Benefit Raises $335,000

Features 17 photos of guests, the evening's emcees, ECF board members, and outgoing ECF President and CEO Sara Schastok. Download PDF

November 16, 2015 — Crain's Chicago Business

People on the Move

People on the Move in Nonprofit Organizations — Monique Brunson Jones. Download PDF

November 1, 2015 — Evanston Magazine

Trending (in Evanston)

A New Day features ECF's new President and CEO, Monique Brunson Jones and how she stays on trend. Download PDF

October 7, 2015 — Chicago Foundation for Women

Congratulations to Monique Brunson Jones!

Featured in Go Women newsletter, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) congratulates Monique Brunson Jones on her appointment as Evanston Community Foundation's new President and CEO, and recognizes her immense contributions as Director of Programs at CFW. Download PDF

October 7, 2015 — Evanston Now

Edible Evanston Orchard Fest to Celebrate Harvest

ECF grantee organization Edible Evanston holds its first “Orchard Fest” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, in Eggleston Park to celebrate the harvest season at the Eggleston Anniversary Orchard, as well as Edible Evanston’s season of events. Download PDF

September 16, 2015 — Chicago Tribune

Illini Shawn Afryl's Story Lives On With Fund in His Name

Why a shoe fund? Donated cleats meant everything to ex-Illini Shawn Afryl. The Shawn Patrick Afryl #56 Shoe Fund established in Afryl's memory is held at the Evanston Community Foundation and a current fundraising effort is underway. Download PDF

July 28, 2015 — Daily Northwestern

Council Moves Forward with Theater Plan

Aldermen instructed the city manager to move forward with a preliminary plan to create a three-stage performing arts center after hearing a presentation by Judy Kemp, former ECF chair, on the proposal at their Monday meeting. Article by: Julia Jacobs. Download PDF

July 27, 2015 — Evanston Now

Downtown Arts Center Cost Pegged at $37 Million

The Downtown Performing Arts Center Task Force presents its final report to the Evanston City Council tonight — a report that says developing the facility the task force recommends would cost about $37 million. Download PDF

June 2, 2015 — Evanston Now

Evanston Swims! Extends Its Reach Into Summer

Thanks to a grant from the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston Swims! will be able to provide fully-subsidized swim lessons this summer to participants most in need of swim instruction. Also appeared in: Chicago Tribune. Download PDF

May 21, 2015 — Daily Northwestern

Blessings in a Backpack Chosen as DM’s 2016 Beneficiary

Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit that provides weekend meals for food insecure elementary school students, has been selected as the primary beneficiary for next year’s Dance Marathon. The Evanston Community Foundation will serve as the secondary beneficiary for the 19th year in a row. Article by: Tyler Pager, Campus Editor. Download PDF

May 19, 2015 — Evanston Review, Pioneer Press

Evanston Honors 14 Top Volunteers

Over 100 community members attended the 11th annual Evanston Volunteer Recognition Reception at Northwestern University's Norris University Center on April 29. The recognition event was sponsored by Northwestern University, the Evanston Community Foundation, Evanston Township High School, and the City of Evanston. Article and photo by Karie Angell Luc. Download PDF

April 17, 2015 — In the Squad Room - EPD

Inquiring Minds - LE and EPD Group Exercise

Recently, members of Leadership Evanston participated in an exercise where civilians and police officers changed roles. What’s the point of a program like this and what did participants take away from the experience? Article by Linda Hansen. Download PDF

April 16, 2015 — Evanston Now

Connections Count, Retiring Foundation Head Says

"The connections we can make and leverage are more important than the individual component parts of our work," retiring Evanston Community Foundation head Sara Schastok told guests at the foundation's annual meeting Wednesday evening. Article by Bill Smith. Download PDF

March 8, 2015 — Daily Northwestern

Dance Marathon Raises More Than $1.1 Million in 2015

DM gave $92,943.29 to its secondary beneficiary of 18 years, the Evanston Community Foundation. Sara Schastok, who plans to retire this year, accepted the check for the last time as ECF’s president and CEO. (Related article in northbynorthwestern.com by Preetisha Sen). Download PDF

March 7, 2015 — Daily Northwestern

ECF President to Retire After Long Relationship with Dance Marathon

After 15 years at the helm of the Evanston Community Foundation, Sara Schastok will retire by the end of the year, which also marks a milestone in her long relationship with Dance Marathon. Article by Stephanie Kelly. Download PDF

February 24, 2015 — Chicago Tribune

30-hr NU Dance Marathon Benefits Kids, Community

From March 6-8, more than 1,000 energetic Northwestern undergraduate students will dance for 30 hours nonstop to raise funds for the Starlight Children's Foundation and the Evanston Community Foundation at the 41st annual NU Dance Marathon. Download PDF

January 28, 2015 — Chicago Tribune

Andy's Frozen Custard Unveils 'Jay Lytle Jackhammer' to Honor First Bank & Trust's Co-Founder

Starting February 1, Andy's Evanston location will offer the special Jay Lytle Jackhammer, an eclectic frozen custard treat, to celebrate the civic contributions of Jay Lytle. A portion of the proceeds of all Jay Lytle Jackhammers sold will be earmarked for the Evanston Community Foundation. Download PDF

January 26, 2015 — ETHS Website

Evanston Cradle to Career Appoints Sheila Merry as Executive Director

The Evanston Cradle to Career initiative announced today the appointment of Sheila Marie Merry as Executive Director. Evanston Township High School shares this media release on behalf of the Evanston Cradle to Career partners. Download PDF

January 26, 2015 — Evanston Now

Merry Hired to Head Cradle to Career

Sheila Marie Merry today was named executive director of the Evanston Cradle to Career initiative, a collaboration of local schools, businesses and other groups to improve the lives of children, youth and families. Article by Bill Smith. Download PDF

January 19, 2015 — Daily Northwestern

New Evanston Brewing Company Sketchbook Puts High Priority on Philanthropy

A local brewing company donated 5 percent of its December sales, which totaled $350, to the Evanston Community Foundation less than two months after the company’s public opening. Article by Emily Chin, Assistant Campus Editor. Download PDF

January 13, 2015 — Evanston Now

New Evanston Nanobrewery Donates to ECF

Evanston’s first nanobrewery, Sketchbook Brewing Co., has donated a portion of its first-month sales to the Evanston Community Foundation. Article by: Charles Bartling. Download PDF

December 11, 2014 — The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Managing The Long War on Poverty

Joint articles "The Long War on Poverty" and "Charity Seeks to Keep Poverty From Being Passed to Next Generation" feature ECF's Two Generation program. Articles by Suzanne Perry. Download PDF

December 3, 2014 — Evanston Now

Disabilities Group Celebrates Challenge Grant

The Center for Independent Futures announced its $100,000 Partners for the Future matching challnege grant awarded by the Evanston Community Foundation. Written by Evanston Now staff. Download PDF

October 19, 2014 — Daily Northwestern

ECF Holds Annual Fundraiser for Community Events

The Evanston Community Foundation held its annual benefit Sunday evening to raise money to fund the organization’s community grants. “The event builds community to have the people who support the foundation together,” said Sara Schastok, ECF’s president and CEO. Written by NU Reporter Julie Fishbach. Download PDF

September 24, 2014 — Evanston Roundtable

Evanston Cradle to Career Gaining Momentum

The Evanston Cradle to Career Initiative (EC2C) is "moving along very, very well," Superintendent Eric Witherspoon reported to the Joint District 65/202 Board Committee on Sept. 18. "There are now many partners who have joined in the initiative.There's real energy," he added. Written by Larry Gavin. Download PDF

September 19, 2014 — Evanston Now

More Groups Climb on Cradle-to-Career Bandwagon

Some 22 Evanston organizations have pledged a total of $227,875 in startup funds for a community-wide effort to help Evanston youth get a head start on their career objectives. Written by Charles Bartling. Download PDF

August 19, 2014 — Evanston Now

Strategic Planning to Resume at D65

Evanston Community Foundation will be one of the "stakeholders" participating in the upcoming District 65 "listening tour". Written by Charles Bartling. Download PDF

August 10, 2014 — Chicago Tribune

Sara Schastok Works to Strengthen Evanston

Sara Schastok, ECF's President and CEO, interviewed about her work to strengthen Evanston. By Leslie Mann; photo by Chuck Berman. Download PDF

April 23, 2014 — Evanston Roundtable

Two-Generation Pilot Program Underway in Evanston

At a policy research briefing held last week at Evanston Township High School, a panel of educators and researchers, let by Lindsay Chase-Landsdale and Teresa Eckrich Sommer, outlined the Two-Generation Initiative for low-income parents and their young children. Article by Larry Gavin. Download PDF

April 9, 2014 — Evanston Roundtable

Organizations Asked to Make Long-Term Commitment to Evanston Cradle to Career Initiative

Evanston Cradle to Career, is built on the premise of “collective impact” – that schools, institutions, community organizations, business groups and others can have a greater impact by working together to address complex social and educational issues, than working alone. Larry Gavin, Reporter. Download PDF

April 9, 2014 — Evanston Roundtable

Editorial: All Institutions and Organizations Should Commit to EC2C

On March 28, the Evanston Cradle to Career Initiative (EC2C), 18 months in the planning, was officially launched. Download PDF

April 7, 2014 — Daily Northwestern

Evanston Officials, Residents Look to Act on Recent Arts Report

Evanston officials and residents are looking to implement suggestions made in the final report from the evanstARTs initiative, which was published last month. Article by Bailey Williams, Assistant City Editor. Download PDF

April 4, 2014 — Evanston Review

Free Investment Advice Fuels ECF's Long-Term Growth

ECF hosted its second annual investment forum on endowment performance and practices on March 19. Article written by Pioneer Press Staff. Download PDF

April 3, 2014 — Daily Northwestern

Letter to the Editor: A Thank You from Evanston Community Foundation

In a "Letter to the Editor" from ECF President and CEO, Sara Schastok, extends thanks to NU Dance Marathon. Download PDF

March 9, 2014 — North by Northwestern

Dance Marathon 2014 Wraps Up With Final Totals, Statements

Dancers raised $1,385,273 for Team Joseph and the Evanston Community Foundation. Article by Mitchell Caminer and Rachel Fobar. Graphics by Mitchell Caminer. Download PDF

March 9, 2014 — Daily Northwestern

In 17th year, Dance Marathon-Evanston Community Foundation Relationship Continues To Grow

As Northwestern University's Dance Marathon ended on March 9, 2014, the Evanston Community Foundation was presented a check for $103,476.58. Article by Joseph Diebold, Managing Editor. Photo by Brian Lee, Daily Senior Staffer. Download PDF

March 7, 2014 — Daily Northwestern

Foundation Launches Two-Generation Program

The Evanston Community Foundation launched the Evanston Two-Generation Education Initiative on February 18, 2014. Article by Rosalie Chan. Download PDF

February 26, 2014 — Evanston Roundtable

Does Early Childhood Education Really Matter?

Evanston is doing “exciting things” in early childhood development. There is “huge momentum.” That is the message conveyed by ECF president and CEO, Sara Schastok, and others serving on the panel at a forum titled "Does Early Childhood Education Really Matter?. Article by Larry Gavin. Download PDF

February 25, 2014 — Evanston Now