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December 9, 2024
Northwestern will begin accepting letters of inquiry for the 2025-2026 Racial Equity & Community Partnership Grants program on Nov. 25.
Led by the University’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, the grants program has been funding ideas that combine University and community assets to solve problems in Evanston and Chicago neighborhoods since 2021.
“When we launched the program, we envisioned creating something truly transformative — a program that would go beyond addressing the symptoms of inequality to tackle the root causes of racial inequity in our communities,” said Dave Davis, senior executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations. “Thanks to the dedication of our advisory committee and our community and academic partners, that vision has come to life in ways that have exceeded our expectations.”
With more than $2.1 million awarded so far, the grants have become a powerful catalyst for change.
With more than $2.1 million awarded so far, the grants have become a powerful catalyst for change and proof of what can happen when universities and their home communities join forces, Davis said.
“We’re fostering groundbreaking collaborations that empower individuals, strengthen communities and advance equity in health, education and economic opportunity,” he said.
One grant in action: Preparing Evanston kids for kindergarten
As a leader in the Evanston early childhood community, the Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) has played a major role in the development and implementation of a variety of programs to ensure all children get off to a strong start on the way to kindergarten.
A 2024 grant recipient, CNE currently is working toward universal screening for speech and language disorders in Evanston early childhood centers with the help of the department of communications sciences and disorders in Northwestern’s School of Communication.
“This Racial Equity Grant has been transformative, enabling us to deliver critical speech and language support to over 200 children across eight CNE partner schools,” said assistant professor Marisha Speights. “By addressing disparities in access and continuity of care, we are enhancing early learning preparedness for preschool children in the Evanston and Skokie communities.”
Do you have an idea?
Northwestern students, faculty and staff, as well as community-based organizations, are invited to submit proposals to fund ideas that focus on structural change in one or more of the following areas:
- Health equity
- Economic and social empowerment
- Children and youth learning
Letters of inquiry are due by Jan. 24, 2025, and final decisions on grant applications will be announced in April.
Learn more about Racial Equity and Community Partnership grants, read FAQs and check out previously funded projects by visiting the Northwestern Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations. Send questions to eldasheon.nix@northwestern.edu.
