The Field Foundation Of Illinois: Journalism
& Storytelling Grant

The Field Foundation Of Illinois: Journalism


& Storytelling Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Field Foundation Of Illinois
Amount: US $15,000 - US $50,000
Last Updated: March 05, 2026

Summary

The Field Foundation of Illinois focuses on funding organizations that address systemic issues in under-resourced communities, particularly prioritizing BIPOC-led initiatives. With a commitment to racial equity, they aim to invest 60% of their portfolio in BIPOC organizations across Chicago, supporting efforts in justice and storytelling. Grant requests typically range from $15,000 to $50,000, fostering local partnerships to create impactful social change.

Overview

NOTE: The Field Foundation Of Illinois will consider funding needs on a rolling basis. The Field Foundation Of Illinois The Field Foundation seeks to invest in organizations working to address systemic issues in divested communities. We see our current, past and prospective grantee partners as immense sources of power that need support in achieving objectives that will serve their communities. We seek to learn more about them for potential investment of our limited dollars. Racial Priorities The Field Foundation is committed to investing 60% of its portfolio in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) organizations throughout the Chicago area. BIPOC organizations can be classified in the following way: By, for, and about serving BIPOC individuals, cultures, and communities. To assess whether your organization fits into this definition, please consider the following: BY: Your leadership and board are directed, managed, and/or led by majority BIPOC individuals.FOR: Your organization primarily works to improve social conditions for BIPOC cultures, communities, and individuals.ABOUT: Your organization’s mission references your commitment to serving BIPOC communities. While the Field Foundation will continue to fund a range of nonprofits, we will be race explicit in our work, and focus on understanding how funding with a racial equity lens can improve outcomes for Chicagoans. Geographic Priorities To understand how need and race align throughout the city of Chicago, the Field Foundation created a series of maps. The maps outline a geographic study area where less than 10% of the residents are from Caucasian backgrounds. They analyze quality of life indicators such as educational outcomes, access to health insurance, commute times, violence rates, and access to arts and culture in those areas. By overlaying race with these quality of life indicators, we found there is an incredible divestment of resources leading to a nexus of poverty and trauma that align with communities of color in Chicago. Program Areas We invest in fact-based journalism and storytelling that reflects all Chicagoans and supports communities across the city. The Field Foundation seeks to strengthen local news production and storytelling to create a more connected and sustainable media ecosystem—one in which the stories of all Chicagoans are told accurately, fairly, and contextually. We focus specifically on news outlets that center underrepresented communities — newsrooms whose coverage enables residents to see themselves, access reliable information, and advocate for meaningful change. Our grantmaking is supported by our strategic partnerships with the MacArthur Foundation and Democracy Fund. We also contribute to broader efforts in journalism and media philanthropy to rebuild local news, including the groundbreaking Press Forward initiative, which has mobilized significant philanthropic investment in local journalism, nationally and in Chicago. Funding Grant requests have typically in the range of $15,000 to $50,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Field Foundation of Illinois primarily offers funding to 501(c)(3) organizations. Within our Justice and Journalism & Storytelling portfolios, we accept grant requests from both fiscal agents and fiscal sponsorWe have traditionally supported institutions and agencies primarily serving the people of Chicago.

Ineligibility

Justice areas not funded:Direct services to individuals, families, or communities Capital campaigns Schools or school programs for schools Social services that are not linked to a clear organizing strategyCan a for-profit organization apply for a grant:Generally, no. Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are preferred.