Sustainable Communities Grant

UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement, and Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations are pleased to announce the launch of the Sustainable Communities Grant Program to support innovative, community-driven sustainability initiatives. This program is designed to empower organizations and communities to work in partnership to implement projects that promote environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program seeks to fund projects that align with the following objectives:

• Advance sustainable practices in the Evanston and Skokie communities. See Examples Below:
  • Urban greening initiatives, led by nonprofits through volunteer tree‑planting days, creation of pollinator and native plant gardens, and partnerships to restore green corridors that improve air quality and neighborhood resilience.
  • Community clean‑up programs, organized by nonprofits to mobilize residents, employees, and youth around park, beach, river, and neighborhood clean‑up days that build stewardship and civic pride.
  • Recycling, composting, and food waste reduction efforts, such as nonprofit‑run compost collection pilots, zero‑waste events, food rescue partnerships, and community education to divert waste from landfills.
  • Energy efficiency and conservation programs, including nonprofit‑hosted LED light exchanges, weatherization assistance for vulnerable households, and workshops that help residents reduce energy use and costs.
  • Water conservation initiatives, spearheaded by nonprofits through rain‑barrel distributions, native landscaping projects, and community‑based stormwater management demonstrations.
  • Environmental education and youth engagement programs, such as school and community gardens, sustainability clubs, eco‑leadership training, and hands‑on environmental learning experiences.
  • Climate and sustainability initiatives, including nonprofit‑supported zero‑waste events, active transportation campaigns, and community‑driven climate action planning and advocacy.
  •  
• Foster community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
• Encourage innovation and replicable solutions that can be scaled or adapted by other communities.

Special Note: This grant does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. .

• Get Application Details & Requirements

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact

• EL Da' Sheon Nix ncr@northwestern.edu
• Tina Vaughn communityengagement@ul.org