Love Your Block Grant Applications Open For Evanston Residents

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston residents are invited to apply for the second round of Love Your Block grant funding.

Applications for the mini-grants will open on Saturday, February 14. This program offers grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to support residents and community groups in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th Wards in improving their neighborhoods and public spaces.

Applications must be submitted by March 7. Following the submission period, winners will be selected and notified in April. The grants are intended for hands-on projects, which may include home repairs, community cleanups, beautification efforts, or other improvements demonstrating civic engagement.

"I’m excited to support another year of the Love Your Block program, empowering residents to improve public spaces and strengthen neighborhood connections," Mayor Daniel Biss said.

The Love Your Block program is made possible with support from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. This collaboration aims to bring city leaders and residents together to build stronger neighborhoods. The program funds resident-led revitalization projects, such as transforming vacant lots into community gardens or repairing playground equipment.

The first cycle of the Love Your Block program in 2025 funded 32 initiatives. These projects were chosen from 118 applications and focused on strengthening neighborhood connections and enhancing shared spaces. The program seeks to strengthen social cohesion, increase civic participation, and build stronger relationships within the community.

Residents interested in applying or learning more about the program should visit cityofevanston.org/loveyourblock.