How much funding does Sustainable Communities Grant Program provide?

Sustainable Communities Grant Program provides $2,500 in funding.

When is the deadline for Sustainable Communities Grant Program?

The deadline is October 6, 2026.

Sustainable Communities Grant Program

Foundation Annual Grants for Grassroots Organizations Environmental Conservation Grants Community Development Grants Food Security Grants

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Funding Amount

$2,500

Deadline

October 6, 2026

182 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Sustainable Communities Grant Program

Funder: UL Research Institutes (ULRI), UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), and Northwestern University's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations

Status: Active - Inaugural program announced October 6, 2025

Geographic Scope: Evanston and Skokie, Illinois

Focus Areas:

Environmental stewardship

Resource efficiency

Community engagement

Sustainability initiatives

Grassroots sustainability efforts

Award Amount: $2,500 per grant

Eligibility:

Local nonprofit organizations

Mission alignment with sustainable, community-led impact

2025-2026 Winners:

Evanston Grows - Organization dedicated to reducing food insecurity through increasing access to locally-grown produce and building community connections. Uses grant for culinary demos and food tastings at Free Farm Stands.

Climate Action Evanston - Organization focused on accelerating the city's progress in addressing climate crisis. Uses grant for Evanston Litter League Pilot Program, a youth-led initiative focused on reducing litter and raising environmental awareness.

Program Details:

Competitive application process

Collaborative initiative between ULRI, ULSE, and Northwestern University

Born from shared vision between Tina Vaughn (ULRI) and EL Da'Sheon Nix (Northwestern)

Grantees receive support for documentation and impact sharing

Implementation timeline: Projects begin in fall following award announcement

Contact:

Tina Vaughn, Senior Manager, Community Affairs and Engagement, UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement

EL Da'Sheon Nix, Director of Evanston Community Relations, Northwestern University Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations