We are now accepting applications for our 2025

Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club

Community Service Grants

For application instructions please scroll to the bottom of this page

Click here to download an editable copy of the application instructions

Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club Community Service Grants - 2025

Click here to download an editable copy of the following document.

Overview

The Community Service Committee (CSC) of the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club (ELRC) invites Letters of Intent (LOI) for the 2025 Community Service Grant Process. Inspired by the U.S. Surgeon General’s report of the prevalence of loneliness, the ELRC encourages applications for grants for programs or projects that address alleviating loneliness and exclusion. We encourage organizations to share how their work promotes inclusivity and leads to positive outcomes for the community.

Each year the CSC accepts LOI from non-profit organizations serving Evanston residents for specific programs in amounts typically ranging from $500 to $3,000.

Information Requested in the Letter of Intent

• Organization Overview: A brief description of your non-profit organization, - including the organization’s Mission Statement. Highlight how your mission supports the Evanston community.
• Organization History: How long your organization has been operating and key milestones.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Contact Information: Names, email addresses and phone numbers for key contacts in your organization.
• Program/Project Description: Describe the program/project for which funding is being sought. - in 150 words or fewer explain how this initiative will benefit the community.
• Total Program/Project Cost: State the total estimated cost of the program/project.
• Community Impact: Describe the demographics of the targeted program/project recipients. Include an estimate of the number of recipients, their age range and how many reside in Evanson.
• Positive Outcomes: Include a description of the anticipated impact of the grant. If applicable, describe the metrics used to measure outcomes.
• Sustainability and Growth: If the program/project is continuing, describe the plan for sustainability of the project in the future

Hands-on Volunteering

Describe any hands-on volunteer activities related to the program/project (one-time and/or ongoing) in which Rotarians may assist your organization in order to increase the community impact.

LOI Due Date

Letters of Intent are due on or before February 28, 2025. They should be submitted to the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club at commservice@evlrc.org

Next Steps

Applicants will be notified by March 31, 2025 as to whether they have been accepted in the grant process. If accepted, a CSC member will schedule a site visit or Zoom interview to become more familiar with the organization’s mission and operations.

In May, organizations will be notified as to whether they will be awarded a grant and, if so, the amount. Checks will be sent out by the ELRC fiscal year-end, June 30.

Organizations receiving grants may be invited to attend a weekly Rotary meeting to receive their check and present their organization to the ELRC.

Applicants are not required to submit a formal application. The LOI and site visit/Zoom interview should be sufficient for the ELRC CSC to make their determination and recommendation for a grant.

Thank you for your interest in the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club Community Service grant process. Please contact Brien Johnson or another CSC member with whom you have had contact with if you have any questions.

Click here to download an editable copy of the application instructions