Sustain Evanston Incentive Grant Program

The Sustain Evanston Incentive Program, managed by the City of Evanston's Economic Development Division and the Sustainability & Resilience Division, is a strategic grant initiative designed to promote local sustainability goals while supporting cost-effective building and business improvements. This program aligns directly with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP) and seeks to reduce carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and support green infrastructure development within the Evanston community. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, tenants, public building owners, and nonprofit entities occupying covered buildings under the city’s Healthy Buildings Ordinance. The fund aims to spur sustainability-related upgrades such as energy-efficient appliances, waste diversion systems, and renewable energy installations. Grants are awarded as reimbursement-based rebates with a maximum amount of $25,000 per applicant. Coalitions of businesses may be eligible for awards exceeding this amount, though such requests require approval by the City Council and may be subject to cost matching. Program funding is drawn from the City’s Sustainability Fund, with additional funds potentially leveraged from other sources. Project costs eligible for funding include capital improvements (e.g., EV charging infrastructure, green roofs), sustainability-focused equipment (e.g., Energy Star appliances, electric vehicles), education materials, and services such as composting, recycling, and energy benchmarking. However, projects fueled directly by fossil fuels or completed prior to application approval are not eligible for reimbursement. To participate, applicants must complete a multi-step process beginning with a meeting with City staff, followed by an online application submission via CivicServe. Required documentation includes three cost estimates (at least one from an Evanston-based provider), a narrative of need, and alignment with CARP objectives. Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and impact metrics before being forwarded to the City Manager or Council for approval. Approved applicants enter a binding program agreement, after which they receive a Notice to Proceed. Projects must be completed within 180 days of commencement unless an extension is granted. Reimbursement is only issued once all work is completed, verified by City inspection, and documented through invoices, lien releases, and proof of payment. For projects with grants of $10,000 or more, partial payment schedules may be requested, subject to staff approval. Participants are responsible for maintaining improvements for five years following grant receipt, and the City may reclaim prorated grant funds if improvements are removed or altered within that period or if ownership changes without City-approved assignment. Eligible participants must meet various operational, financial, and compliance criteria. These include maintaining good standing with the City (e.g., no outstanding debts or liens), providing proof of ownership or lease, and securing relevant permits. National franchises with over ten non-Evanston locations, religious organizations, and applicants who have already received funds in the same calendar year are ineligible. The application deadline is not rolling, and the program does not currently accept submissions year-round. Support is provided throughout the process, and staff offer consultations for project scoping and eligibility questions. The program concludes annually with a celebration event where grantees share results and outcomes. For inquiries, applicants may contact the team via [email protected] or 847-448-4311. More information, including the program guidelines and application materials, can be found on the City of Evanston website.

Projects must align with the Climate Action & Resilience Plan; early engagement with City staff and obtaining multiple local quotes is advised.