ULRI, ULSE, and Northwestern University’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations Announce 2025–2026 Sustainable Communities Grant Program Winners

Evanston, IL — October 6, 2025 — UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement, and Northwestern University’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations are proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a collaborative initiative supporting grassroots sustainability efforts in Evanston and Skokie.

“We are thrilled to award the inaugural grants to Evanston Grows and Climate Action Evanston, two organizations whose missions align beautifully with our vision for sustainable, community-led impact,” said Tina Vaughn, senior manager, Community Affairs and Engagement, UL Research Institutes, UL Standards & Engagement. “We look forward to seeing their innovative programs come to life and make a lasting difference in our community.”

After a competitive application process, two local nonprofit organizations were selected to receive $2,500 grants to implement projects that promote environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and community engagement: Evanston Grows and Climate Action Evanston.

Evanston Grows is a collective impact organization dedicated to bringing together resources in the Evanston community to reduce food insecurity through increasing access to locally-grown produce and building community connections.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant because it will have a direct impact on the visitors to the Evanston Grows farm stands,” said Laurell Simms, executive director, Evanston Grows. “Our mission is to provide free, organic, and locally grown produce to over 150 households each week. The culinary demos and food tastings at the Free Farm Stands are a fantastic way to educate the community on healthy eating habits and address food insecurity. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to making Evanston stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”

Climate Action Evanston’s mission is to accelerate the city’s progress in addressing the climate crisis by promoting sustainable practices and equitable climate solutions. The organization will use the grant to launch the Evanston Litter League Pilot Program, a youth-led initiative focused on reducing litter and raising environmental awareness through community clean-up events and educational outreach.

“Youth across Evanston want to take direct action to improve our environment and fight climate change, but there are often limited ways to get involved,” said Jack Jordan, executive director, Climate Action Evanston. “With the new Evanston Litter League Pilot, Climate Action Evanston will create a fun, team-based program that keeps our community clean and gives residents a way to be part of the solution.”

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program was born out of a shared vision between Tina Vaughn and EL Da’ Sheon Nix, director of Evanston community relations, Northwestern University Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations. Inspired by their experience in Leadership Evanston, they joined forces to empower local nonprofits to tackle sustainability challenges head-on.

“We’re proud to support localized projects like those led by Evanston Grows and Climate Action Evanston — initiatives that strengthen community connections and promote sustainability,” said Nix.

Both organizations will begin implementing their projects this fall. ULRI, ULSE, and Northwestern will work closely with the grantees to document progress and share impact stories with the broader community.

About Northwestern University

Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is one of the country’s leading private research and teaching universities with an enrollment of approximately 8,000 full-time undergraduate students and approximately 8,000 full-time graduate and professional students and approximately 2,000 part-time students on campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, and Doha, Qatar. Northwestern combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Northwestern provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth in a setting enhanced by the richness of Chicago.

About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety. Discover more at UL.org.

About UL Standards & Engagement

UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships, and advocacy. Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables innovation and grows trust by convening experts, and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Visit ulse.org for more information.

Press Contact 
Michelle Johnson  
Director of External Communications 
UL Research Institutes
Michelle.Johnson@UL.org

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