we’re here for good, for a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community

It takes initiative to lead a community where it wants to go. Step one is settling on the goal — and that takes a lot of what we offer: listening, synthesizing and consensus-building. We’re engaging our community, making grants, training leaders, connecting people and organizations, while we tackle challenges and explore opportunities.  

we’re here for good

leading Evanston where it wants to go, building endowments for the future, providing resources for the present.

we’re here because

our founders and donors, our partners and volunteers are committed to a better future for Evanston.

we’re making a difference

responding to meet emerging needs and tackling longstanding problems, adding value.

News & Events

Apply by FEB 1: Evanston-serving nonprofits can apply for the EIghth Round of Rapid Response Operating Grants

Evanston Care Network is a new collaborative partnership among ECF, Evanston 311, the Evanston Public Library, Amita Health, and the City of Evanston. NPOs are encouraged to provide a listing to the network.

ECF's good news from 2019 and 2020: our 2019 Annual Report looks at transformations we witnessed or helped foster last year, and the videos Grant Awards and Messages from Grantees celebrate our different year of grantmaking.

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.

strategic plan

The four principles of our strategic plan, approved and adopted in 2017 are:
orange-bullet.png We focus on equity

teal-bullet.png We listen first

blue-bullet.png Sustainability is critical

red-bullet.png Our leadership is in service to community

In 2020 the Foundation is drawing upon all four principles to respond strategically and with purpose to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on our community. Read more about ECF’s Relief, Recovery and Rebuild phases for grantmaking from the Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund and the collaborations underlying those efforts.

Learn more about our strategic plan – our mission, principles and goals – and how to invest with us.

We invite you to read On Monique's Mind, a periodic post from our President and CEO.