Love Your Block Grant

The Love Your Block Evanston grant is a community-driven initiative funded by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. This program provides $100,000 in total funding over two years ($50,000 per year) to support neighborhood revitalization projects in Evanston, Illinois. The grant is part of a broader nationwide program that aims to empower residents to take ownership of their communities through localized improvements. Evanston is one of 16 cities chosen to participate in this initiative, marking a significant expansion of the program. By supporting resident-led proposals, the grant encourages civic engagement, fosters community pride, and strengthens collaboration between residents and local government. The Evanston iteration of Love Your Block is specifically designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects located within the city’s 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th wards. These projects are expected to promote neighborhood beautification, enhance safety, and improve exteriors of residential properties such as front yards and facades. Importantly, the grant also promotes sustainability and accessibility while celebrating the city's diverse cultural identity. The emphasis is on projects that strengthen neighborhood unity and create visible improvements in public-facing spaces. Eligible applicants include individual residents, neighborhood groups, and community-based organizations who either reside in or serve the specified wards. Projects must have a budget between $500 and $2,500 and be completed by August 31. Applicants do not need to be property owners, but renters must obtain permission from the property owner. Only one proposal per household or location will be accepted. Ineligible proposals include events such as block parties. Additionally, recipients of the 2025 Love Your Block grant are excluded from applying in the 2026 cycle. The application process is conducted entirely online and must be completed by March 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to receive assistance or feedback from the Love Your Block team. The application includes a form available in both English and Spanish, and interested parties can also schedule one-on-one assistance via Calendly with a designated contact from the City of Evanston. The scoring rubric for project evaluation is available for transparency, and volunteer opportunities are open to all community members. Applications will be reviewed by City staff to assess feasibility and alignment with the program’s goals. Funded applicants are expected to track and report project outcomes and submit a final report upon project completion. The grant aims to not only support beautification efforts but also encourage long-term community involvement, safety, and cohesion. The mission statement reflects a broader commitment to cultivating vibrant, safe, and sustainable neighborhoods that reflect the unique character of Evanston. For questions or support, applicants are directed to contact Bridget Johnson via email or to reach the City’s 311 center for more general inquiries. This cycle’s program builds upon lessons learned from previous years, as evidenced by a dedicated recap section for 2025, which offers context and inspiration for 2026 applicants. Through this continued support, the City of Evanston and its partners aim to foster ongoing local investment in neighborhood improvement.