Love Your Block Grant Program

Love Your Block Evanston is a neighborhood revitalization initiative led by the City of Evanston in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. As one of sixteen U.S. cities selected for this program, Evanston was awarded a $100,000 grant disbursed over two years at $50,000 annually. This grant aims to empower residents to lead small-scale community improvement efforts, foster civic engagement, and build stronger ties between neighbors and local government. The initiative provides mini-grants to residents, community organizations, and neighborhood groups located specifically within Evanston’s 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th wards. These grants support projects that focus on exterior home improvements, front yard enhancements, safety-related upgrades, beautification, and neighborhood programming. The program prioritizes visibility, engagement, and empowerment of residents in underserved areas of the city, making it easier for them to access resources and implement grassroots solutions. To be eligible for a mini-grant, applicants must live in or serve residents in the designated wards, submit a project that aligns with the mission of building vibrant and safe neighborhoods, and propose a budget ranging from $500 to $2,500. Only one application is allowed per household, project, or location. Renters may apply with property owner permission. Projects must be completed by August 31 of the same year, and a final report documenting outcomes and results is required. Block parties are ineligible for funding, and prior awardees from the 2025 cycle are not eligible for 2026 funding. Applications must be submitted online no later than March 7 at 11:59 PM Central Time. The program does not accept paper submissions. Interested applicants can schedule a 30-minute online assistance appointment through a Calendly link provided in the application materials. Early submission is encouraged, as it allows applicants to receive feedback and potential support from the Love Your Block team. Applications are reviewed by City staff for feasibility, alignment with program goals, and impact on the community. Preference is given to projects that promote sustainability, accessibility, and the enhancement of Evanston’s unique neighborhood identity. The evaluation criteria also include the clarity of the proposed project plan, anticipated outcomes, and the applicant’s willingness to collect data and report results. For any questions or help with the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact Bridget Johnson via email at [email protected]. The Love Your Block Evanston program exemplifies a community-centered model of urban revitalization that is responsive to local needs and driven by resident leadership.

Early submission allows time for staff feedback.