At the Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations at Northwestern University, we are committed to catalyzing positive change and fostering a vibrant, equitable community. Our funding contributions are designed to support projects and programs that address societal challenges and contribute to the well-being of our community, aligning with our core pillars of Education, Economic and Community Development and, Health and Well-being.
We provide financial backing to a wide range of organizations including community groups, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, civic entities, and schools. Our aim is to empower these groups to implement projects and programs that tackle pressing societal issues. By aligning with our pillars, these initiatives strive to create a more just, engaged, and educated community, contributing significantly to the social fabric of Evanston and beyond.
In addition to external community support, we offer funding to Northwestern’s academic community — faculty, students, and staff — who seek to engage in volunteer activities, community outreach, and community-building endeavors. This support extends to community-engaged research, teaching, and learning projects that resonate with our strategic focus areas. Our goal is to nurture a culture of engagement where academic resources and community needs intersect to produce meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Our funding process is designed to be transparent and accessible, ensuring that all proposals are evaluated on their potential to make a significant and lasting impact. We encourage applicants to demonstrate how their projects align with our three pillars and contribute to a stronger, more interconnected community.