Racial Equity FAQ Page
Why did Northwestern University establish the Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grants program?- In 2020, as Northwestern's home communities of Evanston and Chicago grappled with the challenge of the two pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism, the University made a renewed commitment to advancing racial equity within the institution and in these communities. Northwestern is uniquely positioned to meet those challenges and help our communities recover during this pivotal moment in our history. By intentionally connecting the University's research and intellectual assets with our community's most valuable resources - its people - we seek to foster positive social transformation and move towards a more equitable society. Northwestern is committed to becoming a national model for how a major research university engages with the communities in which it resides. These grants are a key element of that commitment.
- This program is focused on advancing racial equity in Evanston and Chicago through policy and program changes that work to dismantle systemic racism. Grants will be awarded to partnerships between community-based nonprofits or groups in Evanston and Chicago and Northwestern faculty, students, or staff.
- To advance racial equity, the strategy is building and expanding strategic partnerships that:
- Build the capacity of local neighborhoods to develop and grow community solutions to structural and systemic problems.
- Advance the University's academic and research mission while also strengthening local communities.
- These partnerships should have the potential to advance research-based knowledge and be leveraged for broader impact and additional foundation and government support.
How will these grants be selected?
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The Racial Equity and Community Grants Program is administered by the Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations. In 2020-2021, an advisory committee made up of key leaders of Northwestern academic and administrative units and representatives of both the Evanston and Chicago communities developed the program. That committee determined the funding priorities, the guidelines. and the criteria for selection, as well as reviewing the process and making recommendations for the second year of the grants program. Beginning in 2023, a successor advisory committee began working with NCR to review and recommend proposals for funding.
What is the grant process for 2024?
- Partnership Grants: Generally, up to ten grants will be awarded for $25,000 to $75,000 for 2024-25. Proposed projects must already have a community-based organization/Northwestern partnership or establish one by the LOI submission deadline of January 26, 2024.
What is the timeline for application and selection for 2024-25 grants?
- The grant guidelines and application will be released on November 28, 2023
- The LOI must be completed in the online application system by January 26, 2024 at 11:59pm CST.
- The committee will review the LOIs and select applications to move to the second stage on February 9, 2024.
- Those selected to continue will complete a final, full proposal for grant and submit by March 15, 2024 at 11:59pm CST.
- We will announce grantees in May 2024.
- Grants will run from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
- See the guidelines for more information, LOI questions, and a link to the application portal.
Do these grants replace the Good Neighbor Fund?
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No, the $500,000 committed to this grant program is in addition to Northwestern awarding financial support to the City of Evanston.
What was funded in the first three rounds of Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grants?
Click here for 2021 projects, click here for 2022 projects, and click here for the 2023 projects.