2026 Community Grant Application

The Junior League of Evanston-North Shore’s (JLE-NS) Community Assistance Grant Fund is expressly for the purpose of fund disbursement to nonprofit agencies and groups, enabling the JLE-NS to respond to a critical and/or emergency need, to provide seed money needed through the first year of operation, and/or to fund an organization that creates a significant community impact.  Each recipient’s program must relate to the JLE-NS Mission, Vision and Community Focus on supporting women, children & families.  

Our Slogan: Developing Women to Do a World of Good

Our Mission:  The Junior League of Evanston-North Shore is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Our Vision:  To train our members to support local needs in the community.

Our Values: To welcome all women regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic or national origin who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

Our Impact Statement: The Junior League of Evanston-North Shore is a volunteer nonprofit that develops women leaders to strengthen our community.

Our Focus:  Women, children & families

Our Impact Areas: Food Security, Advancing Education, and Economic Stability

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations applying for a grant must:

• Demonstrate that the organization or program relates to JLE-NS Mission, Vision and Community Focus
• Verify nonprofit, tax-exempt status
• Demonstrate sound financial management
• Complete the Grant application and required supporting documentation

Grant Fund Application Checklist

The following must be included with this application for consideration:

• A copy of the IRS determination letter stating your nonprofit, tax-exempt status
• A list of your Board of Directors and Officers
• Your most recent Annual Report

General Guidelines

• The deadline for applications was March 2, 2026. Attach all required information. Incomplete or late entries will not be considered
• The applying organization must be located in a city/town north of Chicago in Cook or Lake County
• A grant will not be awarded in consecutive years to the same organization
• Funds must be used within one year of being awarded and for the approved purpose
• A Letter of Agreement must be signed by the organization prior to the disbursement of funds

Applications for Grants are now closed for the 2025-26 League Year.  All applicants will be notified by the end of April regarding their applications.