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September 3, 2025
Northwestern University has joined with UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) to create the Sustainable Communities Grant program in support of grassroots efforts in Evanston and Skokie.
After a competitive application process, local nonprofits Evanston Grows and Climate Action Evanston have been selected in the inaugural year to receive $2,500 grants to implement projects that promote environmental stewardship, resource efficiency and community engagement.
“In today’s economic climate, many local organizations are facing significant funding challenges,” said EL Da’ Sheon Nix, director of Evanston community relations in Northwestern’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations. “Rising operational costs, shifting philanthropic priorities and reductions in government or corporate support have created real barriers to sustaining and expanding essential programs.
When resources are limited, community becomes the greatest asset.”
Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations
“When resources are limited, community becomes the greatest asset — and programs like this are designed to strengthen those ties,” he said.
Evanston Grows is dedicated to bringing together resources in the Evanston community to reduce food insecurity through increasing access to locally grown produce and building community connections, including with several farm stands in the city.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant because it will have a direct impact on the visitors to the Evanston Grows farm stands,” said Laurell Simms, executive director of Evanston Grows. “The culinary demos and food tastings at the Free Farm Stands are a fantastic way to educate the community on healthy eating habits and address food insecurity.”
Climate Action Evanston’s mission is to accelerate the city’s progress in addressing the climate crisis by promoting sustainable practices and equitable climate solutions. The organization will use the grant to launch the Evanston Litter League Pilot Program, a youth-led initiative focused on reducing litter and raising environmental awareness through community clean-up events and educational outreach.
“With the new Evanston Litter League Pilot, Climate Action Evanston will create a fun, team-based program that keeps our community clean and gives residents a way to be part of the solution,” said Jack Jordan, executive director of Climate Action Evanston.
The Sustainable Communities Grant was born from a shared vision between Nix and Tina Vaughn, senior manager of community affairs and engagement for ULRI and ULSE. Inspired by their experience in Leadership Evanston, they partnered to empower local nonprofits to tackle sustainability challenges head-on.
“We look forward to seeing their innovative programs come to life and make a lasting difference in our community,” Vaughn said.
