Nonprofit Growth & Sustainability Grants: General Operating Grants

The Evanston Community Foundation offers Nonprofit Growth & Sustainability Grants to support general operating costs for nonprofits in Evanston. These unrestricted funds are available to organizations committed to racial equity, have been operational for at least three years, and have a strategic plan in place. Grants can be up to $25,000, covering no more than 15% of the organization's budget, fostering a thriving nonprofit sector dedicated to community impact.

NOTE: This opportunity is for general operating support. View the Evanston Community Foundation opportunity for  capacity building support here.
These grants are focused on organizational capacity and sustainability. One of Evanston Community Foundation’s goals is to support a thriving nonprofit sector in Evanston. For nonprofits to thrive, they must have the ability to support ongoing work and build their capacity.
ECF provides unrestricted, flexible general operating funding to current or previous ECF grantees with a demonstrated commitment to racial equity in mission, vision, and practice.

Eligibility

For general operating grants, your organization must:Have IRS 501(c)3 tax statusHave an Evanston address AND serve the Evanston community
Have been in existence for at least three years (or be the result of merging organizations with at least a three-year history each)Have received and successfully completed at least two ECF grants in the last four years
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusionHave at least one paid administrative staff who has been on the payroll for at least one year Have a current strategic plan and/or strategic framework as well as a method for measuring progress and community impactDemonstrate effective board governance Your organization can apply for:One-year grants up to $25,000 that do not make up more than 15% of your organization’s operating budgetUp to One Growth and Sustainability Grant (either capacity building OR general operating support grant) during a 12-month period – you may apply for other grants, such as E-Town Innovation grants or other ECF grants cycles

Ineligibility

We do not fund endowments, fundraising events/sponsorship of events, or individuals.