The Woman’s Club of Evanston (WCE), established in 1889, is a nonprofit composed of nearly 300 women committed to community service, philanthropy, and fostering local connections. For over a century, the organization has supported charitable efforts in the North Shore area of Illinois, combining monetary donations and thousands of volunteer hours to strengthen the social fabric of local communities.
In 2025, WCE celebrates the 25th year of its Community Grants Program. This initiative awards annual grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose missions align with WCE’s designated giving focus. The 2025–2026 application cycle targets programs addressing food insecurity, specifically within the communities of Evanston, Skokie, and Rogers Park. All applicants must clearly articulate how their proposals contribute to mitigating food insecurity in these areas.
The program features multiple categories of financial support. The Community Small Grants range from $500 to $5,000, typically averaging $1,200. Larger designations include the 2027 WCE Revue Beneficiary award, generally ranging from $20,000 to $60,000, and the 2027 WCE Spring Benefit Beneficiary award, typically providing over $30,000. Additionally, applicants may be considered for the 2026–2027 WCE Clubhouse One-Time Usage Award, which offers recipients temporary access to the Clubhouse for events or program activities.
Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations serving the communities of Evanston, Skokie, or Rogers Park. The application submission deadline is Friday, November 7, 2025, by 5:00 PM CST. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their program clearly aligns with the food insecurity focus, as this is a critical evaluation criterion.
The WCE’s Community Grant Making Committee oversees the selection process, guided by how well applications support the stated annual focus. Further application details and instructions can be accessed through the WCE’s official channels. Any inquiries should be directed to the WCE via email at communitygrants@wcofe.org.
