The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) has selected the first grantees for Rolling Grants – Edible Evanston and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Rolling Grants allow ECF to be more nimble in its ability to fund organizations and groups providing services to Evanston residents throughout the year. ECF Rolling Grants are awarded for up to $5,000, and proposals may be submitted at any time.
“We are excited that for the first time in our history, we are able to fund community opportunities and needs all throughout the year,” said Rebecca Cacayuran, Program Officer. “Rolling Grants give ECF the ability to respond quickly to new ideas and efforts in the community.” Rolling Grants focus on encouraging groups to pilot new programs or strategies, collaborate with other organizations, build their own capacity, or address time-sensitive issues.
Edible Evanston and the Girls Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana will be piloting new programs serving Evanston residents. Edible Evanston, a program of Citizens for Greener Evanston, will install a series of rain gardens to demonstrate sustainable options for residents to control runoff and manage flooding in their own gardens. The Girl Scouts will pilot a new model for establishing Girl Scout troops in underserved communities, using staff leaders to mentor volunteers with a goal of six new troops.
Rolling Grant applications are accepted throughout the year, and the grants committee reviews applications on a quarterly basis for these one-year grants. The next deadline for review is September 1, 2017. Applicants must either be 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, government entities or community groups with a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate inclusive practices that support the diversity of their boards, staff, and constituents.
For more information, visit ECF’s website, evanstonforever.org/rollinggrants or contact ECF’s Program Officer Rebecca Cacayuran at [email protected] or 847-492-0990.