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Sustainable Communities Grant Application & Details

This page provides detailed information for the Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a collaborative initiative of UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement, and Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations . This program is designed to empower organizations and communities to work in partnership to implement projects that promote environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. Please read through the following sections for complete details on eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.

  • Grant Amount: (2) $2,500 grants
  • Grants will be awarded: September 2025

What We Fund

  • (2) $2,500 grants
  • Projects that align with the following objectives:
    • Advance sustainable practices in the Evanston and Skokie communities [Examples can include: energy reduction, water conservation, waste management, eliminating food insecurities, etc.].
    • Foster community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
    • Encourage innovation and replicable solutions that can be scaled or adapted by other communities.

Who Should Apply

  • Project addresses at least one of the program objectives listed above
  • Nonprofit organization with a 501(c)3 designation status
  • Projects must be based in the cities of Evanston or Skokie

Eligible Expenses

Grant funds may be used for new sustainability program development or current sustainability program enhancement.

Including:

  • Materials and supplies
  • Event support
  • Marketing and outreach
  • Professional services (e.g., consultants, facilitators)
  • Personnel costs directly associated with the project

Grant funds may NOT be used for:

  • Overhead expenses
  • Debt reduction
  • Projects that do not align with sustainability goals

Purpose

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

  • Advance sustainable practices in the Evanston and Skokie communities [Examples can include: energy reduction, water conservation, waste management, eliminating food insecurities, etc.].
  • Foster community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
  • Encourage innovation and replicable solutions that can be scaled or adapted by other communities.

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

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following: All information will be submitted within the grant portal

  1. Cover Page: Include project title, applicant name, organization, contact information, and website (If Applicable)
  2. Project Description: Overview of the project, its objectives, and expected outcomes.
  3. Work Plan: Outline the activities, timeline, and key milestones for the project.
  4. Budget: Provide a detailed budget and justification for the requested funds.
  5. Impact Statement: Explain how the project aligns with the grant program’s objectives and the expected impact on the community or environment.
  6. Partnerships: List any organizations or individuals partnering on the project.
  7. Supporting Materials: Optional (e.g., photos, letters of support, diagrams).

Submit Application

To submit your application, please visit the Grant Application Portal. You will need to create an account.

Below is an overview of the information requested for grant submission.

For all applicants:

  • Organization overview: Tell us about the organization(s) and what perspectives or expertise do members of the organization(s) bring to the project?
  • Project description: Please provide a description of the proposed project. This should include its objectives, goals/outcomes, and the strategies that will be executed to obtain the desired goals/outcomes
  • Project goals: During one year of funding, what would you expect to accomplish? How would you define success at the end of that year? Outline the primary goals, milestones, or outcomes you aim to achieve by the end of the grant period.
  • Project Impact and Success: How would you measure success toward those goals? What indicators will you use to measure progress toward your stated goals?

Application deadline: June 27, 2025 at 11:59pm CST.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevance: Alignment with the grant objectives.
  • Impact: Potential to deliver measurable environmental or community benefits.
  • Feasibility: Likelihood of successful implementation within the funding period.
  • Innovation: Creativity and uniqueness of the approach.
  • Community Involvement: Level of engagement and collaboration with community members
  • Partnership Optimization: Does this project/program include any external partnerships

How the Submission Process Works

Grants will be selected through a single-stage process. Here are important steps and dates in the process:

  1. Apply for a Sustainable Community Grant: Applications open on May 5, and grant prospects are invited to complete and submit the grant application by June 27 to our online application system. This is a simple application that asks for you to describe your idea.
  2. The grant committee will review applications and select two recipients to receive funding for the upcoming grant cycle.
  3. Grantees will be announced by August 1.
  4. The grant cycle will run from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. Funds will be distributed after the grant agreement is signed. Grantees will be asked to submit interim and final reports during the grant cycle.

Award Notification

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 1, 2025. Award recipients must sign a grant agreement and adhere to reporting requirements.

Contact Information

For questions or additional information, please contact: