Mission: Supporting the Growth and Potential of Evanston Youth
The Community Service Committee (CSC) of the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club (ELRC) invites Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the 2026 Community Service Grant Process.
This year, the CSC is focusing its support on programs that foster the growth, learning, and well-being of Evanston area youth, including opportunity youth ages 16 to 24 who are disconnected from school or work. Grants of $500 to $3,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that help young people build skills, confidence, and pathways to successPriority will be given to projects that:
- Provide educational enrichment, mentoring, or workforce readiness
- Facilitate meaningful service opportunities for Rotary club members such as mentoring, tutoring, or career preparation
- Expand access through scholarships, transportation, or outreach
- Encourage youth leadership, civic engagement, and community service
- Create innovative approaches to re-engage opportunity youth
Collaborative and community-based partnerships are encouraged.
Letters of Intent should include:
- A brief overview of your organization (mission, years of operation)
- A 150-word description of the proposed program, including:
- Purpose and total cost
- Who will be served (demographics and numbers)
- Anticipated impact
- Plans for sustainability (if ongoing)
- Your organization’s primary contact for this LOI including their email address and phone number
Timeline:
- Due: February 27, 2026 (email to swprout@comcast.net)
- Notification for site visit: March 16, 2026
- Site visits: March 23 – April 13, 2026
- Awards announced: April 27, 2026
- Grants distributed: May 4, 2026
