new arts fund

November 10, 2017 | ECF Press Release

The Young Evanston Artists Foundation (YEA!) and the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) are pleased to announce the creation of the YEA!/Harvey Pranian Legacy Fund for the Arts.

YEA_graphic.pngGrants from the Fund will be used to support projects and other opportunities to advance the development of Evanston children and youth, pre-school through high school, through the arts.

preserving legacy of YEA! and honoring founder

Harvey Pranian celebrates the art of the children of Evanston at the 2017 YEA! Festival. Photo by Jeorg MetznerThe Fund will preserve the legacy of YEA! and honor the Founder and Project Director, Harvey Pranian. YEA! was founded in 1987 with Harvey’s vision to provide a one day festival each May for the exhibition and performance of art for the children of Evanston, with the active involvement of the public, private and parochial schools, and their respective art teachers. Over the last 30 years, thousands of Evanston children have had the experience of seeing their art exhibited or performing before an appreciative audience. YEA! grew and thrived with the ongoing involvement of the schools, the City of Evanston, the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, the business community, individuals, families and friends of YEA!  Their generous contributions through the years make this Fund possible.

2017 YEA! Festival artwork, photo by Katy Pranian Grants from the YEA!/Harvey Pranian Legacy Fund for the Arts will be part of the Evanston Community Foundation’s responsive and rolling grant cycles. The Fund is an endowed fund and will generate an annual distribution for grants on a permanent basis.

“We are pleased ECF can provide a permanent home for the YEA! Fund to continue their legacy of engaging young children and their families in Evanston with the arts,” said Monique B. Jones, ECF President and CEO.

Support the YEA!/Harvey Pranian Legacy Fund for the Arts on the Give Now page, or call 847.492.0990.

about the foundation

Founded in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation helps Evanston thrive now and forever as a just, vibrant, and inclusive community. It builds, connects, and distributes resources and knowledge to Evanston – not just one group, neighborhood or issue — all of Evanston. ECF stands ready to be a thought partner, a collaborator, an investor, a facilitator, and most of all a convener to grow impact. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.