Chicago Commitment: Civic Partnerships Grant

The Chicago Commitment: Civic Partnerships aims to foster a more equitable city by supporting local organizations and partnerships that address systemic racism and promote racial equity. With an emphasis on inclusive actions, the initiative focuses on community-driven solutions to pressing challenges. By investing in diverse voices and creative sectors, the foundation seeks to uplift marginalized communities and create a resilient environment where all Chicagoans can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

NOTE: While we are open to new relationships, we are currently prioritizing longstanding grantee partners. We generally do not fund unsolicited proposals; however, we do review them. Although very few are selected for funding, we review unsolicited proposals that meet our guidelines. While the majority of applications for support under Civic Partnerships are invited, in coordination with other funders, organizations that wish to be considered for support from MacArthur are welcome to submit a brief description of their work through our grants portal.
Chicago is a global city with vibrant, diverse neighborhoods and a strong civic culture. And yet historical and current systemic racism creates unequal access to resources and opportunities for Black, Latine, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQIA+, and disabled people and communities—especially when these multiple identities intersect. A resilient and dynamic Chicago region is dependent upon a more equitable Chicago, where every Chicagoan has the opportunity to prosper and contribute to their community and where Chicago’s diverse voices are elevated, recognized, respected, and included.
We focus on strengthening local organizations including the creative sector; supporting civic partnerships on timely issues; investing in vital communities; and advancing influential leaders with a diversity of experiences and a commitment to racial equity.
Our Areas of Focus
Our focus areas were designed with the priorities of Chicagoans in mind—taking heed of what residents and leaders believe are the most urgent concerns and promising solutions.
Civic PartnershipsLeading or participating in partnerships to address critical or timely challenges with the goal of advancing racial equity and building a more inclusive Chicago.Vital CommunitiesInvesting targeted resources in a small number of place-based initiatives and organizations that provide infrastructure support to neighborhoods.Advancing LeadershipPromoting and advancing leaders committed to diversity whose influence will inform and improve decision making across the city.Culture, Equity, and the ArtsReflecting diverse creative sector voices and sustaining the creative life of the city.
Chicago's civic landscape is notable for its broad network of philanthropic, corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations, and its rich history of collaboration between these entities to achieve shared goals. Civic partnerships build upon the collective assets of these leaders and organizations for greater impact.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not provide funding for the following:Scholarships or tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studiesGrants to individuals, except for Leaders for a New Chicago, and the MacArthur Fellows Program, which is not open to applications or public nominationsAnnual fundraising drivesPaid advertisementsPolitical activities or attempts to influence action on specific legislation