grants cycles

ECF manages all aspects of our grants programs through an online grants management system: from applications to evaluation plans, to grant agreements to reporting. Click here to create an account and see all open applications (this is how to create an account).

Our grants programs are organized by open application and by invitation only. Learn about all of the grants opportunities here. During the Covid-19 pandemic, ECF has pivoted its grantmaking to respond to the challenges of the crisis. The responsive and rolling grants cycles are suspended for now. Open applications are available for operating grants for Evanston-serving nonprofits.

resources for all grants programs

Eligibility requirements: Any group or organization providing services to Evanston residents may apply for a grant that is either a 501(c)(3) organization, school, or government entity or group who has a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Sec. 501(3)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All proposals must address issues, concerns, or opportunities in the Evanston community.

	Philosophy and Process
	Communication Guidelines

open applications

NOTE: The Responsive Grants and Rolling Grants programs are on hold as ECF has shifted to grantmaking in response to COVID. The root2fruit grants program is sunsetting and there is not an open application cycle planned.

grant program	RFP and guidelines	key dates	*application materials* and *forms and materials for current grantee organizations*
Climate Action Fund	Grants to improve energy efficiency.	apply anytime	for more information contact Jan Fischer
Responsive Grants	■ theory of change	■ 2020 RFP will be released in early Dec. ■ LOI due Jan 14, 2020 ■ Approved applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by February 12, 2020. ■ Decisions will be announced by May 22	*application materials* *samples from 2019 process* ■ letter of inquiry ■ application ■ project budget (template) ■ calendar (2020-2021)
Rolling Grants	This grants program is on hold during the pandemic as ECF has shifted to grantmaking in response to COVID. ■ RFP	apply anytime for consideration by the grants committee on a quarterly basis (Mar., Jun., Sept., Dec.)	application materials ■ Rolling Grants project budget form ■ Final budget report ■ Final report
root2fruit Grants (* root2fruit alumni see below for by invitation only grants)	■ guidelines ■ RFP	This grant program is sunsetting and there is not an open application cycle planned.	application materials ■ online application

by invitation only

grant program	RFP and guidelines	key dates	*application materials* and *forms and materials for current grantee organizations*
Building the Future	major gift challenge	closed	provide materials as detailed in overview document
Communityworks		closed	by invitation only
Evanston Cradle to Career	■ guidelines	Only for Evanston Cradle to Career organizations. Action Plan proposals due September 7, 2018 (revised date).	application materials ■ proposal ■ budget template
root2fruit alumni Grants	■ guidelines	Next cycle: due October 15	■ project budget template