The Field Foundation of Illinois is a private, independent foundation that supports community power building in Chicago through strategic investments in civic infrastructure, the creative sector, local news outlets and organizers.
Through its grantmaking, the foundation collaborates with funding partners to distribute more than $10 million annually to organizations and leaders working in geographic priority areas, with a focus on the city’s South and West Sides.
The Field Foundation’s leadership, board, and staff remain committed to measuring the foundation’s impact, especially within its geographic priority areas.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Vision
We seek to catalyze community transformation through strategic philanthropic investments.
Our Mission
Investing in civic infrastructure, the creative sector, local news outlets, and
organizers to support community power building in Chicago.
Our Values
Our core values of service and impact define who we are, shape our interactions
with stakeholders, and guide our strategy
and actions.
Service
We prioritize community wellbeing and serve with a commitment to trust, transparency, respect, equity, and kindness.
Impact
We serve as a strategic partner, operating with mutual accountability for community-defined goals and driving positive, measurable results.
Our Partners
& Contributors
Field’s grants and awards are made more substantial through key strategic partnerships, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which generously supports the Leaders for a New Chicago Award, a collaboration between Field and MacArthur, as well as Field’s Journalism & Storytelling grantmaking.
Additionally, Democracy Fund, The Chicago Community Trust, and the Ford Foundation have generously contributed to Field’s work in Journalism & Storytelling with the goal of creating a more equitable, connected, and inclusive local media ecosystem.