Community Grants
Since 1899, The Woman’s Club of Evanston has proudly supported organizations that make a difference in our community. This year, we are celebrating the 26th year of the WCE’s Community Grants Program. Each year, the Community Grants Committee designates an annual funding focus and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations are invited to submit grant applications. For the 2026-27 application cycle, our giving focus is as follows:
The Woman's Club of Evanston invites grant applications from organizations who focus on supporting the core needs of lower income households in Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park, including but not limited to housing, food insecurity, and healthcare.
All applicants must describe how their request supports the giving focus.
Applications will be used to select recipients for the following categories of support:
2026-2027 Community Small Grants - Generally $500-$5,000 averaging $1,200
2027-2028 WCE Clubhouse One-Time Usage Award
The application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2026 by 5:00 PM CST.
Applications will open October 15.
Please share this announcement with any nonprofit organizations that serve the Evanston, Skokie or Roger’s Park who wish to apply. We look forward to hearing from interested organizations.
Questions? Email: communitygrants@wcofe.org
2025-26 Beneficiaries and Grant Recipients
For the 2025-26 selection cycle, The Woman’s Club of Evanston sought grant applications from organizations and programs that address food insecurity in Evanston, Rogers Park and Skokie. The Community Grants Committee is pleased that the WCE is able to support local programs that offer these services and is excited to announce the recipients of the following awards:
2027 Revue:
Care for Real: Proceeds will support procurement, storage and food distribution at the Rogers Park pantry so that every neighbor can access healthy food with dignity and choice
2027 Spring Benefit:
Curt’s Cafe: Proceeds will cover the cost of three meals per work day for students in Curt’s workforce development program
2026-27 Clubhouse Usage:
Connections for the Homeless: Host annual fundraising luncheon, Inspire, which brings together donors and community partners to support Connection’s mission
2026 Small Grant Awards:
Books & Breakfast: Provides daily healthy breakfasts in the D65 morning program
Bubby Fira’s Food Bank: Delivers meals to low income families and seniors in Rogers Park, Skokie and Evanston
C24/7 Father’s Arms: Provides hot meals and snacks for after school and school break programs
Childcare Network of Evanston: Provides formula for families with infants in the CNE Head Start Program
Evanston Community Fridges: Provides funds to refill Community Fridges 2-3 times per week
Evanston Grows: Programs to provide fresh produce, including a “Food as Medicine” initiative
Family Focus: Ensures equitable access to nutritious food via food pantry with wraparound service
Hamdard Health Alliance: Pilot food pantry program for Evanston and Skokie residents to offer culturally specific healthy foods
Hope Ignites: Provides food for 3 daily meals in 4 group homes in Evanston
Interfaith Action: Adds high quality food to hospitality centers and food kitchens
Levy Senior Center Foundation: Supports Farm Stand Fridays by providing free organic produce
McGaw YMCA: Triples the reach of the weekend food cart program serving families
SOLU: Supports Hersh’s Community Fridge, the nation’s first kosher, outdoor, community fridge
The Harbour: Provides food for 3 post DCFS sites in Skokie and a teen parenting program in Evanston
Youth Opportunity United: Funds daily snack at Out of School time program at 9 Evanston schools
YWCA Evanston/NorthShore: Provides food funds for domestic violence survivors during transitional hotel stays
About The Woman’s Club of Evanston:
Founded in 1889, the Woman’s Club of Evanston (WCE) is a nonprofit organization of nearly 300 women from the North Shore and beyond who are dedicated to community service, philanthropic work, and friendship. Annually, more than $110,000 and 2,500 volunteer hours are donated to help local not-for-profit organizations.