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Field Foundation
@fieldfoundation.bsky.social
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Investing in the promise of Chicago. Funding civic infrastructure, the cultural sector, local news outlets, and organizers to support community power building. Learn more @ fieldfoundation.org
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Field Foundation @fieldfoundation.bsky.social · Dec 17
As we approach the holiday season and year end, we want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many of you in our mutual pursuits to help shape a stronger Chicago.

Our 2025 year-in-review reel reflects community power building in action: bit.ly/48ICcKD

Happy holidays to all.
A title card featuring the Field Foundation logo (a green square with stylized "FF" letters) and wordmark in green text on a white background. Below the logo, centered text reads "2025 Year in Review" in green. The design has a clean, minimal aesthetic with a thin green border framing the entire image.
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
We're proud to share the 2025-2026 #HealingIllinois subgrantees! In partnership with @ilhumanservices, we will distribute $4.3 million in Healing Illinois grants to nearly 200 nonprofits to support racial & community healing statewide.
Learn more at healing.illinois.gov.
ecorative graphic with blue and teal hearts on colorful background featuring the Healing Illinois logo (a checkered heart). Text reads 'HEALING ILLINOIS Subgrantee Announcement' with 'Congratulations!' in script. Bottom text says 'Read more at Healing.Illinois.gov'.
January 23, 2026 at 9:57 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Sharing an opportunity to apply for the Chicago Planning Academy, Mar 10-May 26. The program, a collaboration between the Chicago Architecture Center & the Center for Neighborhood Technology, is designed to empower residents to create positive change in their communities. More below. bit.ly/4sQzDOA
Chicago Community Planning Academy
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;">This program is designed to empower residents to create positive change in their communities. It will occur March - May for a total of eight sessions.</span></p>
bit.ly
January 20, 2026 at 9:06 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Today, we honor the memory of Dr. King and celebrate the dedicated individuals and organizations who carry forward his legacy.
Green background with a white quote that reads: "Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." The quote is attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in white text at the bottom right. The Field Foundation logo and website (fieldfoundation.org) appear at the bottom of the image.
January 19, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Reposted by Field Foundation
woodstockinst.bsky.social
We had a wonderful turnout at our event, Data as Power: 50 Years of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act! Panelists discussed the past, present, and future of HMDA data and its role in combatting redlining and enforcing fair lending laws.
December 17, 2025 at 6:06 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
As we approach the holiday season and year end, we want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to work with so many of you in our mutual pursuits to help shape a stronger Chicago.

Our 2025 year-in-review reel reflects community power building in action: bit.ly/48ICcKD

Happy holidays to all.
A title card featuring the Field Foundation logo (a green square with stylized "FF" letters) and wordmark in green text on a white background. Below the logo, centered text reads "2025 Year in Review" in green. The design has a clean, minimal aesthetic with a thin green border framing the entire image.
December 17, 2025 at 4:39 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Join us next Wednesday at @woodstockinst.bsky.social “Data as Power: 50 Years of HMDA” event, where Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash will moderate a panel on the successes & stumbling blocks of using Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data & what’s possible for the future of fair housing.
woodstockinst.bsky.social Woodstock Institute @woodstockinst.bsky.social · Dec 4
Get your tickets now for Data As Power: 50 Years of HMDA on Wednesday December 10th! lnkd.in/gZju77Yx

In 2020, WBEZ reporters used Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data to discover lenders had invested more in a single white neighborhood than all of Chicago's Black neighborhoods combined... 🧵
December 5, 2025 at 12:07 AM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
The Field Foundation and @macfound.org held a special event Thursday to honor arts and culture grant recipients who dedicate themselves to Chicago’s communities. It was a joyful opportunity to connect, uplift and have fun—while celebrating our shared purpose and creative spirit. bit.ly/4rwoXUX
A vibrant floral arrangement sits on a round wooden table with black metal legs. Behind the arrangement is a large sign reading "Joy in the Making" in white text on a red background, with colorful abstract art visible on the right side. The MacArthur Foundation and Field Foundation logos appear on a green curved element at the bottom of the sign. The setting is an elegant event space with atmospheric lighting projecting architectural patterns on the walls.
November 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
The Field Foundation was delighted to join the city's journalism community at the Chicago Journalists Association's 86th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated exceptional local journalists and impactful reporting from the past year. 1/
The Field Foundation's Mark Murray and Maudlyne Ihejirika pose with Jim and Joyce Williams at the Chicago Journalists Association's 86th Anniversary Awards Ceremony. All are formally dressed in an elegant setting at the Newberry Library. Photo of Brandis Friedman in front of a microphone at the Chicago Journalists Association's 86th Anniversary Awards Ceremony. She is wearing a white shirt, black tie and red glasses. The setting is a wood paneled room at the Newberry Library. Brandis Friedman and Maudlyne Ihejirika pose for a photo at the Chicago Journalists Association's 86th Anniversary Awards Ceremony. Brandis is wearing a white shirt, black tie and red glasses. Maudlyne is wearing a black dress and a black fur coat. The setting is a wood paneled room at the Newberry Library. Maudlyne Ihejirika poses for a photo at the Chicago Journalists Association's 86th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.
November 20, 2025 at 4:57 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
The Field Foundation's COO Mark Murray recently hosted a group of DePaul University undergraduates for a discussion about careers in the arts. Mark shared his journey from a practicing artist to his current position on the business side of the arts. Thanks to the students for spending time with us.
A large group of DePaul University students gather for a group photo in the Impact House office space. The modern workspace features exposed industrial ceiling with visible ductwork and lighting, concrete floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an urban street. The diverse group of students, dressed in casual fall attire including jackets and coats, are arranged in multiple rows and smiling at the camera. The photo is framed with a bright green border with "DePaul Visit" as the header and the Field Foundation logo and website (fieldfoundation.org) at the bottom.
November 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
We're looking forward to celebrating Tonika Lewis Johnson's recognition as a 2025 MacArthur Fellow. Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash will moderate an event at Kennedy-King College next week to honor Tonika's work and impact. Learn more in this @blockclubchi.bsky.social story.
blockclubchi.bsky.social Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · Oct 30
Englewood is celebrating its MacArthur "Genius" Fellow, Tonika Lewis Johnson. blockclubchi.co/4hGhZYY
October 30, 2025 at 10:18 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Congrats again to the 2025 “A Road Together” (ART) grant recipients announced this week. As part of our 5-year, $15M partnership with @macfound.org, 25 Chicago-based arts and culture nonprofits will receive general operating grants totaling $2.85M over three years. More: fieldfoundation.org/art
October 29, 2025 at 6:09 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
We’re excited to announce the 2025 "A Road Together" (ART) grant recipients – 25 Chicago-based arts and culture nonprofits who together will receive general operating grants totaling $2.85 million over three years. 1/
Image shows the "A Road Together" logo with text arranged in a modern, stacked layout within a rectangular frame that gradients from green to blue. Below the frame, smaller text reads "an initiative of: Field Foundation" and "supported by: MacArthur Foundation" with their respective logos. The design uses a clean, contemporary aesthetic with the program's signature green and blue colors. Graphic displaying the first half of 2025 ART Cohort grant recipients on a white background with green border. The list includes 13 organizations: About Face Theater Company, Africa International House USA Inc., Aguijón Theater Company, Architreasures, Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, Changing Worlds, Chicago Blues Revival, Chicago Mobile Makers, Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, Chicago Torture Justice Memorials Foundation, Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange, Cultural Access Collaborative, and Design Museum of Chicago. The A Road Together logo appears in the bottom left corner in green and blue, with the website fieldfoundation.org/art in green at the bottom right. Graphic displaying the second half of 2025 ART Cohort grant recipients on a white background with green border. The list includes 12 organizations: Folded Map Project, FreshLens Chicago, High Concept Labs, ILA Creative Studio, Intonation Music, Kalapriya Foundation Center for the Indian Performing Arts, Making a Difference Dancing (M.A.D.D.) Rhythms Organization, Pegasus Theatre Chicago, Territory, The Era Footwork Collective, UrbanTheater Company, and Walls Turned Sideways. The A Road Together logo appears in the bottom left corner in green and blue, with the website fieldfoundation.org/art in green at the bottom right.
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
GRANT OPPORTUNITY: Healing Illinois Returns for 2025-2026!

We're proud to partner with @ilhumanservices.bsky.social to distribute $4.3 million in funding to Illinois nonprofits fostering racial healing and community healing statewide. Learn more: www.healing.illinois.gov.
A social media graphic with a gradient blue background featuring decorative wavy lines and other shapes. At the top center is the Healing Illinois logo—a white circle containing a heart made of blue and teal checkered pattern with "Healing Illinois" text. The main text reads "HEALING ILLINOIS GRANT APPLICATION" in large, bold yellow-gold letters. Below that, "open now" appears in white script font with a small starburst accent. The website "Healing.Illinois.gov" is displayed in white text. At the bottom, "COMMUNITY HEALING" appears in white capital letters against the blue background with large decorative shapes.
October 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
We were proud to sponsor the "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom," panel at last weekend's @womenjournos.bsky.social JAWS conference in Washington, D.C. The panel featured two grant recipients from Field's Multi-Year Cohort: Chicago News Weekly & Investigative Project & Race and Equity. 1/
A conference panel in progress at the JAWS (Journalism and Women Symposium) Conference. Maudlyne Ihejirika stands at a podium on stage with microphone, introducing the session. The panelists seated from left to right are: Stephanie Beasley, Stacy Palmer, Emily Holden, Wendy Wei, and Cheryl Mainor Norman. The setting is a modern conference room with blue-gray walls and a presentation screen visible in the background. The "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom" panel at the JAWS Conference in full session. Five participants are seated on stage: from left to right, Stephanie Beasley in a light blue dress, Stacy Palmer in a colorful striped dress, Emily Holden in a yellow top and black pants, Wendy Wei in a floral blouse and polkadot skirt, and Cheryl Mainor Norman in a black dress holding a microphone and speaking. The presentation slide is visible on the left side of the frame, and the backdrop features illuminated white panels with blue accent lighting. The "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom" panel at the JAWS Conference in full session. Five participants are seated on stage: from left to right, Stephanie Beasley in a light blue dress, Stacy Palmer in a colorful striped dress, Emily Holden in a yellow top and black pants, Wendy Wei in a floral blouse and polkadot skirt holding a microphone and speaking, and Cheryl Mainor Norman in a black dress. The presentation slide is visible on the left side of the frame, and the backdrop features illuminated white panels with blue accent lighting. Group photo of all six participants standing together after the panel at the JAWS Conference. From left to right: Stephanie Beasley in a denim dress, Stacy Palmer in a colorful striped dress, Emily Holden in a yellow top and black pants, Wendy Wei in a floral blouse and black and white dotted skirt, Cheryl Mainor Norman in a black dress, and Maudlyne Ihejirika in a navy dress. Everyone is smiling and the photo appears to be taken in the same conference room setting.
September 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
We're proud to support #JAWSCAMP2025 @womenjournos.bsky.social, Sept 5-7 in Washington, DC. For all attending, don't miss this panel on "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom," featuring leaders from @floodlightnews.org, Chicago News Weekly, @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social, & @raceandequityproject.org
womenjournos.bsky.social JAWS (Journalism & Women Symposium) @womenjournos.bsky.social · Aug 28
Join us at #JAWSCAMP2025 Sept. 5-7 in Washington, DC for a panel examining the challenges and rewards of building and maintaining a nonprofit newsroom in today’s industry. This panel is generously sponsored by the Field Foundation. Learn more about the conference: www.jaws.org/news/jaws-ca...
September 3, 2025 at 10:01 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Yesterday, we toured the construction site of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side. We learned about how the 19.3-acre campus will serve Chicago, its communities & residents. We look forward to returning when it opens in 2026. Thx to the @obamafoundation.bsky.social team for hosting us.
The Field Foundation team, many in yellow safety vests and white hard hats, poses in front of the Obama Presidential Center construction site. Behind them stands the concrete structure under construction, featuring a distinctive angular tower with textured facade and a construction crane. The modern building rises against a bright blue sky with white clouds, showcasing the progress of this significant cultural institution that will serve Chicago's South Side communities across the city when it opens in summer 2026.
August 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Yesterday, the Field Foundation’s Director of Journalism & Storytelling, Maudlyne Ihejirika, joined an insightful Inspired Generosity panel, “FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: Advancing Narrative Change in Community Stories.” 1/
hree women speakers sit at a white panel table with microphones during a discussion. Maudlyne, on the right, wearing a black outfit, is speaking into her microphone while gesturing. Rummana, in the middle, wears a vibrant purple dress. Nissa, on the left, is wearing a dark dress and a jean jacket. The modern conference room has large windows and a presentation screen visible in the background. Dilnaz is wearing a white and khaki linen outfit with a colorful head wrap. She stands next to a podium, speaking into a microphone. Behind her, the three panelists from the previous image sit at their table listening. A presentation slide is displayed on the screen, and Press Forward Chicago branding is visible on a banner to the left. Tracy, in a dark blouse and pants, stands next to the podium addressing the audience. The presentation screen shows a slide titled "GUEST SPEAKERS" with four professional headshots. The panelists are seated at a white table, with Field Foundation and Press Forward Chicago branded banners visible to the left. A close-up view of the presentation screen displaying the panel title "FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: ADVANCING NARRATIVE CHANGE IN COMMUNITY STORIES" along with guest speaker photos and their affiliations: Rummana Hussain (Chicago Sun-Times), Nissa Rhee (Borderless Magazine), Maudlyne Ihejirika (Field Foundation), and Tracy Baim (Press Forward Chicago). The Inspired Generosity logo appears in the bottom right corner.
August 27, 2025 at 6:44 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
“Storytelling is at the heart of journalism and at the heart of philanthropy … and we need each other. We have to tell our stories … that’s how we move hearts and minds.” — Maudlyne Ihejirika, Director of Journalism & Storytelling, Field Foundation 1/ #journalism #storytelling
Keynote conversation in progress between Maudlyne Ihejirika (right) and CWIP Board Co-Chair Diane Knoepke (left). The two speakers are seated in comfortable chairs by large windows with a small table between them, engaged in their discussion about the intersection of philanthropy, journalism, and storytelling. Another angle of the keynote conversation, capturing the intimate setting and engaged dialogue between Maudlyne and Diane as they discuss the importance of storytelling in lifting up voices and communities. Maudlyne Ihejirika presents as the keynote speaker at the Chicago Women in Philanthropy Annual Meeting. The presentation slide displays her title as "Director of Journalism & Storytelling Program, Field Foundation of Illinois" alongside her professional headshot. Attendees are seated at tables in an elegant venue with exposed brick walls and large windows. Field Foundation team members pose with colleagues at the CWIP Annual Meeting. The group of seven stands together in professional attire against a backdrop of large windows, celebrating the successful event and Maudlyne's keynote presentation. The photo is framed against a bright green background.
August 22, 2025 at 8:29 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Happening next Tuesday! Register for this Inspired Generosity event by Aug 24.
fieldfoundation.bsky.social Field Foundation @fieldfoundation.bsky.social · Aug 12
🎯 FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: Advancing Narrative Change in Community Stories

Join us August 26 from 9-11 AM CT at Impact House for an important conversation about how underrepresented communities are reshaping media narratives to ensure accurate, fair, and contextual news coverage. 1/
Professional event flyer with a navy blue background featuring Chicago skyline silhouettes. The Inspired Generosity logo (a circular design with hands and stars) appears at the top left, with "CHICAGO 2025" in gold text on the right. The main headline "FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: ADVANCING NARRATIVE CHANGE IN COMMUNITY STORIES" is displayed in large white and gold text. Below is descriptive text about the event's focus on underrepresented communities telling their stories in media. A gold banner showcases four guest speaker headshots: Rummana Hussain (Chicago Sun Times), Nissa Rhee (Borderless Magazine), Maudlyne Ihejirika (Field Foundation), and Tracy Baim (Press Forward Chicago). Event details include the venue (Impact House), date/time (August 26, 2025, 9-11 AM CT), registration deadline (8/24), and social media information. Sponsor logos for Press Forward Chicago, Field Foundation, and WF Fund appear at the bottom.
August 19, 2025 at 7:26 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
🎯 GRANTMAKING & STORYTELLING IN THE PHILANTHROPIC SPACE

Join us Thursday, August 28, from 8:30-10:30 AM CT at Impact House for an insightful conversation about how storytelling can be a powerful tool to enhance the impact of grantmaking in the philanthropy sector. 1/
Professional event flyer with a navy blue background featuring Chicago skyline silhouettes. The Inspired Generosity logo (a circular design with hands and stars) appears at the top left, with "CHICAGO 2025" in gold text on the right. The main headline "GRANTMAKING & STORYTELLING IN THE PHILANTHROPIC SPACE" is displayed in large white and gold text. Below is descriptive text about exploring storytelling as a tool to enhance grantmaking impact. A gold banner showcases three guest speaker headshots: Kalia Abiade (Pillars Fund), Daniel O. Ash (Field Foundation), and Bob Eichinger (The Chicago Community Trust). Event details include the venue (Impact House), date/time (August 28, 2025, 8:30-10:30 AM CT), registration deadline (8/26), and social media information. Sponsor logos for Chicago Community Trust, Pillars Fund, Field Foundation, and WF Fund appear at the bottom.
August 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
🎯 FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: Advancing Narrative Change in Community Stories

Join us August 26 from 9-11 AM CT at Impact House for an important conversation about how underrepresented communities are reshaping media narratives to ensure accurate, fair, and contextual news coverage. 1/
Professional event flyer with a navy blue background featuring Chicago skyline silhouettes. The Inspired Generosity logo (a circular design with hands and stars) appears at the top left, with "CHICAGO 2025" in gold text on the right. The main headline "FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: ADVANCING NARRATIVE CHANGE IN COMMUNITY STORIES" is displayed in large white and gold text. Below is descriptive text about the event's focus on underrepresented communities telling their stories in media. A gold banner showcases four guest speaker headshots: Rummana Hussain (Chicago Sun Times), Nissa Rhee (Borderless Magazine), Maudlyne Ihejirika (Field Foundation), and Tracy Baim (Press Forward Chicago). Event details include the venue (Impact House), date/time (August 26, 2025, 9-11 AM CT), registration deadline (8/24), and social media information. Sponsor logos for Press Forward Chicago, Field Foundation, and WF Fund appear at the bottom.
August 12, 2025 at 10:33 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Meet Hac Tran, a Chicago-born urban planner & community development professional dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy of “Asia on Argyle”—a five-block business district in Chicago. Along with @macfound.org, we celebrate Hac as a 2025 Leaders for a New Chicago awardee. 1/
This is a black and white portrait of Hac wearing glasses and a knit beanie. He is wearing a dark-colored shirt and is positioned in front of some foliage or plants. In the lower right corner, there's a red logo badge that reads "LEADERS FOR A NEW CHICAGO" with a white star, followed by "2025 awardees" in white text. Below that, the name "Hac Tran" appears in large white letters, with "Haibayo" underneath in smaller text.
August 7, 2025 at 6:54 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Meet Nissa Rhee, Cofounder & Executive Director of
@borderlessmag.bsky.social, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news outlet reimagining immigration journalism. Along with
@macfound.org, we celebrate Nissa as a 2025 #LeadersForANewChicago awardee. #community #powerbuilding #philanthropy #chicago 1/
This is a professional headshot of Nissa smiling, photographed against a neutral gray background. She's wearing a dark-colored sleeveless top or dress. The image includes branding elements for an awards program: a red rectangular logo in the bottom right corner featuring a white star and the text "LEADERS FOR A NEW CHICAGO," followed by "2025 awardees" in white text. Below this, the name "Nissa Rhee" appears in large white letters, with "Borderless Magazine" credited underneath in smaller text.
July 31, 2025 at 7:22 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Meet Andrea Ortiz, a community champion whose organizing approach has bridged grassroots activism with policy change, ensuring marginalized communities have the power & resources to shape their future. Along with @macfound.org, we celebrate Andrea as a 2025 #LeadersForANewChicago awardee. 1/
Professional headshot of Andrea Ortiz smiling. She is wearing a light-colored blouse and is posed against a sepia-toned background featuring decorative patterns. The image includes the "Leaders for a New Chicago 2025 awardees" logo in red and white, with her name "Andrea Ortiz" and "Brighton Park Neighborhood Council" prominently displayed in white text at the bottom.
July 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
fieldfoundation.bsky.social
Meet Dave Spencer, Co-Executive Director of the American Indian Center, which provides cultural, social & educational services to Chicago's large and diverse Native community. Along with @macfound.org, we celebrate Dave as a 2025 #LeadersForANewChicago awardee. 1/
This is a professional headshot of Dave. He has a slight smile and is wearing a white collared shirt. The image has a warm, sepia-toned treatment that gives it a distinguished, formal appearance. The photograph is branded as part of the "Leaders for a New Chicago 2025 awardees" series, indicated by a red logo in the lower right corner featuring a white star. Below the portrait, white text identifies "Dave Spencer" and "American Indian Center.”
July 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM