Sustainable Communities Grant FAQ

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What is the purpose of the Sustainable Communities Grant Program?

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program – presented by Northwestern Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement – aims to support innovative, community-driven sustainability initiatives. The grant program is designed to support nonprofit organizations working to advance sustainable practices and advance community engagement in addressing environmental challenges in Evanston and Skokie, Illinois.

Who is eligible to apply to the Sustainable Communities Grant Program?

Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)3 designation status are encouraged to apply for the grant. Additionally, applicant projects must address at least one of the program objectives and be based in the cities of Evanston or Skokie, Illinois.

How do I apply for the grant?

To submit your application, please visit the online portal here. All applicants will need to create an account in order to submit. Submission details will include an overview of your organization and project, including goals, impact and success metrics.

What types of projects will be funded?

Grant recipients of the Sustainable Communities Grant Program will include projects that advance sustainable practices and foster community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges in the Evanston and Skokie communities. These projects will also encourage innovation and replicable solutions that can be scaled or adapted by other communities.

When is the application deadline?

All applications must be submitted to the online portal by June 27, 2025, at 11:59pm CST. Following the deadline, the grant committee will review applications and select two recipients to receive funding for the upcoming grant cycle.

How much funding will be available?

For the 2025–2026 grant cycle, the program will award two (2) grants of $2,500 each to eligible projects aligned with the goals of the program.

Am I able to edit my application once submitted?

An applicant cannot edit their application after it has been submitted. If an issue occurs, such as an application component requiring an update, please contact EL Da’ Sheon Nix (ncr@northwestern.edu) or Tina Vaughn (communityengagement@ul.org).

When will recipients be announced?

Grant recipients will be announced on August 1, 2025, and recipients will be notified via email/phone.

When does the grant cycle start?

The grant cycle start date is September 1, 2025, and will run 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.

What can grant funds be used for?

Grant funds may be used for projects that advance sustainable practices and foster community engagement and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges in the Evanston and Skokie communities.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions, please direct all inquiries to EL Da’ Sheon Nix (ncr@northwestern.edu) or Tina Vaughn (communityengagement@ul.org).