Leaders for A New Chicago
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Nominations are Open!
Submit your nominations by February 28
The Leaders for a New Chicago Award was created in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation in 2018. Recipients may use their award as they see fit, including supporting work, reflection, and professional development.
This unique initiative provides a $50,000 no-strings-attached award for individual leaders and a $25,000 general operating grant for their affiliated not-for-profit organizations. This year, the award will be given to eight leaders who are bringing transformative change to their
communities. They also receive ongoing optional network programming and other opportunities. By creating a network, we aim to act as a connector, supporter, and investor in leaders who have the potential to transform Chicago.
On this Page
Increase individual leadership capacity by supporting leaders and their organizations.
Strengthen connections between rising and existing leaders across communities by growing leaders’ networks and social capital.
Learn from leaders, incorporating insights about their experiences to better understand and support civic leadership.
Meet the
Leaders
Collectively, the 73 recipients of the Leaders for a New Chicago Award represent a broad array of Chicago residents doing community-based work. The awardees are artists, advocates, co-founders, community developers, executive directors, journalists, organizers, social change agents, storytellers, among other roles.
Eligibility
Eligible nominees for the Leaders for a New Chicago Award must:
- Satisfy one of the following:
- received a Field Foundation grant within the past two years;
- be current direct grant recipient of the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment or Chicago-based Journalism & Media (JAM) portfolio;
- received an Expedited Grant (X Grant) in the past three years from the MacArthur Foundation’s Chicago Commitment or Chicago-based JAM portfolio.
- Live in Chicago, Cook County, or one of the five collar counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will) at the time of the nomination or selection.
- Work in one of the following fields:
- Arts & Culture. Nominees are deeply rooted in community, creating art and advancing the capacity of emerging artists
- Journalism & Storytelling. Nominees tell untold stories and bring diverse viewpoints to the public square. They fill information gaps with narratives, news, and investigations accurately reflecting community needs.
- Justice. Nominees increase the visibility of critical issues affecting their communities and demonstrate impact in addressing them. They build deep community relationships and develop local leaders.
- Maintain a strong working relationship with the affiliated organization for at least one year at the time of the nomination.
Selection Process
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