Two Chicago-based organizations, one supporting residents experiencing mental health challenges and one addressing food insecurity, will receive the 2025 MacArthur Annual Staff Award. NAMI Chicago and Ecosystems of Care will each receive $50,000 in general operating support to advance their missions.
Since 1989, a cross-section of Foundation Staff participating in a volunteer committee select up to two local nonprofits to receive this year-end grant. This one-time award recognizes charitable organizations whose impactful work may fall outside of our grantmaking guidelines.
Chicago high school students participate in NAMIpalooza, a one-day event to raise awareness and provide essential resources for mental health support.
NAMI Chicago
NAMI Chicago advocates for and shares hope, connection, and expertise with individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. It also educates the public to fight stigma and discrimination against mental illness. NAMI provides free, low-barrier mental health support that includes crisis response, care coordination, education, and recovery services. The organization operates a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, in addition to the NAMI Chicago Helpline, for immediate support and connection to resources.
The organization targets engagement in six Chicago community areas: Greater Englewood, Austin, Little Village/South Lawndale, Harvey, Chicago Heights, and Riverdale. This gift for general operating support will support NAMI Chicago as it responds to an increased demand for prevention, intervention, and recovery services, and as it meets the urgent need for mental health education and advocacy.
Market Box volunteers prepare fresh produce for delivery. Credit: Davon Clark
Ecosystems of Care
Ecosystems of Care works to build stronger and more just systems of food, information, and resources while forging connections across neighborhoods and generating community power. The organization grew out of a mutual aid project, Market Box, launched during the pandemic. This emergency response to food insecurity buys food in bulk from small farms and distributes it for free across Chicago's South Side.
While many food pantries are equipped with shelf-stable goods, Ecosystems of Care's Market Box delivers fresh produce primarily to people with mobility challenges based on age, disability, childcare, or transit access. Through partnerships, it has expanded to provide information on critical issues related to vaccine access and polling locations. This gift for general operating support will help Ecosystems of Care feed more people and deepen its partnership with small Midwestern farmers.
