Thursday, March 7, 2024 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the Cultural Fund Grant Program, how to get involved in Envision Evanston 2045, a Ryan Field construction update, and more!

Apply for a Cultural Fund Grant
Non-profits and community organizations are encouraged to apply for up to $6,000 to support specific cultural programs and/or general operations as a part of the Evanston Arts Council's Cultural Fund Grant program. Apply online through April 1.
Grants for Individual Artists: While individual artists are not eligible to apply for the Cultural Fund Grant Program, they may be eligible to apply for grants of up to $2,000 through the Special Projects Fund.
Questions? Attend a free, virtual information session on Thurs., March 7, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meeting details.
 Click image to play video.
Host your own Envision Evanston 2045 meeting
Envision Evanston 2045 aims to develop a shared vision for the future of Evanston and will create a new comprehensive plan and zoning code. There are so many ways to contribute to this exciting process:
Learn more at EnvisionEvanston2045.com.
 Happy 13th Anniversary, Evanston 311!
Evanston 311, launched in 2011, includes a call center and an online citizen support center, serving as your gateway to City information and services in both English and Spanish. From snow storms to street cleaning and potholes to special trash pick-ups, 311 makes it easy for you to report issues, track progress, and find the information you need.
ICYMI: The 311 Center recently transitioned to a new platform host for its online citizen support center and mobile app, now powered by QAlert. If you haven't used this user-friendly and efficient tool yet, check it out!
 Apply for a Small Business Recovery Grant
The City is providing extra funds for the Small Business Recovery Program, aimed at helping small businesses recover from the negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Originally budgeted at $250,000, an additional $150,000 has been earmarked due to high demand. This extra funding comes from a winning Participatory Budgeting proposal. Learn more and apply by April 15.
More News and Events
It's time to spring forward!
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday. The official time change will take place at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
What's happening at NU in March?
Check out the variety of community events and programs happening at Northwestern University this month, including a Community Ice Skating event, "Wonder Boy: A New Musical", Danceworks 2024: Emergence
Reminder: Street cleaning operations have begun
Street cleaning began last week and will continue through December 15, weather permitting. View the 2024 street cleaning schedule and sign up for courtesy email or text notifications.
Celebrate the best in children's nature literature
Enjoy a book walk, s'mores on the bonfire, and more on Thurs., March 14, 7 p.m., during the 3rd Annual Blueberry Award Announcement Ceremony.
Join Evanston Made for “Evanston Paints”
Join Hervé Tullet's curated art workshops for all ages, celebrating Evanston Made's 10th anniversary on March 9, April 13, and May 16. Creations from the workshops will be displayed at the Evanston Art Center’s Evanston Made Member Exhibit.
Rebuild Ryan Field construction update
The City has approved upgrades to fiber infrastructure that will impact the public right of way. Work will begin the week of March 11 and continue for about three weeks. More information.
Participate in a short survey
Help the City plan its Mason Park Expansion and Church-Dodge Transportation Improvements project. The goal of the project is to enhance open space opportunities and improve vehicular, biking, and walking connections. Please take this 10-minute survey before March 15.
Provide Public Comment on the Draft 2023 CAPER
The City’s Draft 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is now open for public comment through March 19.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
City hosts Disability Awareness event

Last Wednesday, our Parks & Recreation team, City Disability Access Liaisons, and Department representatives joined a Disability Awareness event hosted by the City's ADA Advisory Committee.
At the event, committee members shared experiences and efforts for inclusion. The "Disability Awareness Players" from JJ's List, a local non-profit, also conducted an interactive training on respectful communication with individuals with disabilities. Thanks to all participants for making this a valuable event!
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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