The Field Foundation of Illinois is a private and independent foundation that, along with its strategic partners, distributes more than $6.5 million in grants to organizations working to address systemic issues in Chicago’s most divested communities. With racial and social equity at the center of its giving, the Field Foundation directs dollars to grantmaking in the areas of Art, Journalism & Storytelling, Justice, and Leadership Investment.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural A Road Together (ART) grant program, established in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Field Foundation is gearing up for its second year. What’s more, Field is excited to share that beginning in 2025, the ART program will shift its grantmaking approach to focus solely on providing multi-year, general operating grants based on recommendations of a participatory panel of Chicago arts-leaders.

The ART initiative is rooted in the belief that arts and culture organizations play a vital role in Chicago’s identity, economy, and social fabric. The initiative prioritizes organizations with a commitment to racial equity in their programming and those that serve historically underserved communities. Through a participatory grantmaking model, the program empowers communities to shape the allocation of resources.

Working together with ART grantees, the Field and MacArthur Foundations aspire to make a sustainable impact in advancing racial and social equity by enabling more Chicagoans to dream and flourish while accessing platforms for art and cultural expression in their communities. We plan to announce our newest cohort of ART grantee partners in October. Stay tuned!

You can learn more about The Field Foundation on the photo credits page.