Northwestern graduation events set for 2026
October 28, 2025
Northwestern University’s landmark Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is sparking visible change in the City of Evanston.
In 2023, Northwestern proposed an unprecedented series of community benefits, committing $150 million over 15 years to support city services and programs for all Evanstonians.
By revitalizing downtown streetscapes, advancing climate action, expanding affordable housing and creating new pathways to opportunities for local residents, the CBA is helping to shape a more vibrant and sustainable future for Evanston.
This historic partnership is more than a promise — it’s a profound commitment to our home.”
Senior executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations
When the City of Evanston and Northwestern activated the agreement, it marked a new chapter in the partnership — a powerful framework for shared stewardship, innovation and community investment within the Evanston community, according to Dave Davis, Northwestern’s senior executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations.
“This historic partnership is more than a promise — it’s a profound commitment to our home,” Davis said. “Through transformative investments in education, economic development, housing and sustainability, we’re working together to build a stronger, more resilient Evanston.”
Northwestern Now has summarized the 11 projects that comprise the Community Benefits Agreement with links to a comprehensive report on the Rebuild Ryan Field website.
Evanston Township High School student access to Northwestern
A fund of $2 million per year is used to provide need-based scholarships to students from Evanston Township High School and other local schools. In addition to financial aid, Northwestern enhances outreach efforts to Evanston students, including college preparatory workshops, application assistance and mentorship opportunities.
Evanston nonprofit contributions
In 2024, Northwestern made significant contributions totaling more than $1 million to various Evanston-based nonprofit organizations, community groups, faith-based institutions and schools.
Evanston workforce development
The Ryan Family Workforce Development Initiative focuses on providing training and career pathways for Evanston Township High School graduates and Evanston residents who are seeking opportunities that don’t require a four-year college degree.
Downtown Evanston revitalization
The intent of this contribution is to foster an attractive, vibrant downtown that serves both the Evanston community and Northwestern students, supporting economic vitality and enhancing quality of life.
Northwestern has committed $3 million annually to the City of Evanston to support affordable housing, advance climate action and strengthen the City’s long-term financial stability.
Northwestern has committed to assist on several aspects of Evanston’s Guaranteed Basic Income Program, including research, stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
The University has partnered with the City of Evanston to create a work-study program that places Northwestern students in city roles, meeting both Evanston’s needs and students’ educational goals. Approximately 20 Northwestern students are currently working across six departments to support city services.
City of Evanston joint development
Northwestern has engaged in meetings with the mayor, city councilmembers and senior city staff to identify potential joint development opportunities. The University has made available its research, planning and policy expertise to inform the evaluation of development projects that could address critical city challenges and promote economic development.
Marketing and advertising support for local businesses
Northwestern has contributed financial resources and the expertise of its faculty, staff and students to the Central Street Business Association to help local businesses strengthen their marketing, advertising and strategic planning efforts.
Northwestern has committed to an annual investment of $500,000 to support collaborative projects between Northwestern faculty, staff, students and community-based organizations that improve the quality of life for populations facing longstanding social, economic or structural barriers.
