root2fruit grants provide resources for local small organizations to build their capacity to thrive and succeed. root2fruit is a project of the Evanston Community Foundation, in partnership with the Mammel Foundation. root2fruit grants provide funding, mentoring and peer partnerships to grantees.

Watch a short informational video about root2fruit here.

Benefits to Grantees

Each year, an advisory board reviews proposals submitted by local organizations. Finalists are invited to meet with the advisory board.  Up to three grants are recommended to the Foundation for approval. Grantees benefit from:

• Up to $10,000 each in the initial year
• Eligibility for continuing funding (up to a total of $30,000) for up to three years
• Access to resources and mentors through the root2fruit board
• Four scheduled grantee meetings during the year to discuss work in progress and to gain knowledge in board development, resource development, marketing, and other key organizational challenges.
• A peer network of fellow grant recipients and board members

Application Process

Applicants submit a simple application that:

• Describes their organization
• Explains their idea and how it was conceived
• Summarizes plans and work to date, including other funders, collaborators, staff, etc
• Defines how the money will be used to strengthen the organization
• Outlines plans to sustain the idea after root2fruit funding ends

In 2010, the Foundation launched an online grant application process. Go to http://evanstoncf.egrant.net to learn more or to begin an application. 

root2fruit applicants must submit a simple application that answers the following questions:

• Tell us briefly about your organization.
• How was your mission conceived?
• What is the need or challenge your organization is designed to meet?
• Why is this need important?
• What assets, if any, already exist in Evanston to address this need or challenge?
• If your organization is relatively young, what you have done so far to get your idea off the ground? (other funders, collaborators, staff)
• If your organization has been established for a while, describe your goals and activities.
• How would this renewable grant be put to use to develop your organization?
• How will you sustain your organization after funding ends?