Northwestern University donated $1 million to the city’s Good Neighbor Fund for 2020, according to a news release.

This is the fifth consecutive year the university added to the fund, which will support various city endeavors, such as park improvements and a full-time social worker position at the Evanston Public Library.

Back in March 2015, Northwestern agreed to donate $1 million per year for five years to the Good Neighbor Fund, to be spent on projects decided by Evanston’s mayor and Northwestern’s president.

“From enhancing job training programs, to improving our parks, to supporting the city’s climate action efforts, the projects funded by this year’s Good Neighbor Fund allocation will have a direct and positive impact on the quality of life for all who live, work and play in Evanston,” mayor Steve Hagerty said in the release.

The breakdown of the donation includes $250,000 for Evanston Fire Department paramedic services and $150,000 for interior improvements of the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. A new dog park funded by the donation is expected to cost $85,000, and $45,000 will support initiatives related to the city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

The donation covers a 12-month period beginning Jan. 1, 2020.

“For Northwestern to thrive, Evanston must thrive,” Northwestern President Morton Schapiro said in the release. “That’s the idea behind our Good Neighbors Fund. It’s an honor for us to play a role in providing programs and services that make Evanston one of the most remarkable communities in the nation.”

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