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Our Vision for Chicago

Chicago is a global city, a commercial and creative hub that is rich with vibrant,

diverse neighborhoods and a strong civic culture. We are proud to call Chicago home.

Our commitment to Chicago is deep and enduring.

$1.4 billion invested in over 1,600 local organizations and individuals since 1979

We support creative and effective organizations and influential networks working to improve the quality of life and the prospects for residents to make our hometown a city where opportunity is equitable, and justice can thrive.

Our work in Chicago

Areas of focus include:

Strong Organizations
Civic Partnerships
Vital Communities
Influential Leaders
Culture, Equity, and the Arts
View our entire Chicago strategy
View all 2018 Chicago Grants

What's New

MacArthur in Chicago: Reflecting on 2019 Read More → Facilitating International Cultural Exchanges Read More →
Looking at the Forest Read More → Stories of Chicagoans Involved in Criminal Justice Read More → $3.36 Million to Chicago Organizations Focused on Community Safety Read More →
Culture, Equity, and the Arts: Accepting the Invitation to Change Read More → Building Relationships and Earning Trust to Reduce Gun Violence Read More →
Digital Education in the Summer Read More → Art Exhibition to Honor 40th Anniversary of MacArthur Fellows Program Read More → Leaders for a New Chicago Read More →
MacArthur Provides $5 Million For Chicago Public Library Branch at Obama Presidential Center Read More → Recognizing Creative Placemaking Read More →
Supporting Community-Led Projects to Reduce Summer Violence Read More → Quantifying Chicago’s Growing Dance Community Read More → MacArthur in Chicago: Reflecting on 2018 Read More →
Demystifying the Arts Nonprofit Business Model Read More → Field, MacArthur Launch Programs Seeking Racially Equitable Chicago Read More →
Elevating Others’ Voices While Finding Our Own Read More → Supporting Chicago’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities Read More → Evaluation of Special Grant Package Responding to President Trump's Executive Orders on Immigration Read More →
Chicago Arts and Culture Groups Receive Grants for International Collaborations Read More → $26 Million to Support Community-Led Solutions in Chicago Read More →
Community-Driven Solutions Read More → Responding to Gun Violence in Chicago Read More → A More Inclusive View of Art and Artistic Expression Read More →
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Chicago Stories

grantee stories Redefining Chicago Leadership Leaders for a New Chicago supports leaders who are often left out of the city’s historical power structure to ensure they influence the decisions that shape the city. View More → grantee stories Connecting Across Borders, Through Dance International Connections Fund grant recipients created collaborative works of art with global partners that expand what’s possible. View More →
View All Chicago Stories
Grantees in the Media
"Chicago Children’s Choir’s Black History Free Concert Series to Focus on African Americans, the Vote and Giving Voice to the Legacy of Struggle"
Chicago Tribune
"MacArthur Grants Cook County Another $2.5 Million for Criminal Justice Reform"
Crain's Chicago Business
"Something Different at The Joffrey? How About Sneakers Instead of Pointe Shoes for Upcoming ‘Times Are Racing’"
Chicago Tribune
"Reducing Gun Violence Also Requires Us to Create Opportunity"
Crain's Chicago Business
"To Make the West Side Safer, We Need to Engage the Youth, Lawndale Neighbors Say"
Block Club Chicago
"Important Lessons for Philadelphia from Chicago’s Three-Year Decline in Gun Violence | Editorial"
Philadelphia Inquirer
View All in the Media
Staff
Stephanie Platz, Managing Director, Programs
Stephanie Platz
Managing Director, Programs
Tara Magner, Director
Tara Magner
Director
Allison Clark, Associate Director
Allison Clark
Associate Director, Impact Investments
Janice A. Dunbar-Travis, Senior Grants Manager
Janice A. Dunbar-Travis
Senior Grants Manager
Cate A. Fox, Senior Program Officer
Cate A. Fox
Senior Program Officer
Patrick Griffin, Senior Program Officer
Patrick Griffin
Senior Program Officer, Criminal Justice
Tawa Mitchell, Senior Program Officer
Tawa Mitchell
Senior Program Officer
Geoffrey Banks , Program Officer
Geoffrey Banks
Program Officer
Ryan Priester
Program Officer
Karen Hott, Administrator
Karen Hott
Administrator
Mindy Martinez, Coordinator
Mindy Martinez
Coordinator
Louise Powell, Coordinator
Louise Powell
Coordinator
Media Contacts
Kristen Mack, Director of Communications
Kristen Mack
Director of Communications
Evaluation Contacts
Elizabeth Oo, Evaluation Officer
Elizabeth Oo
Evaluation Officer
View All Staff
The Historic Marquette Building Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities
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Info For the Media

Members of the media seeking comment about our work in Chicago should call MacArthur Communications at 312.917.3690 or email Kristen Mack.

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