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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.

$1.3 billion invested in over 1,500 local organizations and individuals

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

Strong Organizations
Civic Partnerships
Vital Communities
Influential Leaders
Arts & Culture
View our entire Chicago strategy

What's New

Community-Driven Solutions Read More → $26 Million to Support Community-Led Solutions in Chicago Read More →
Responding to Gun Violence in Chicago Read More → A More Inclusive View of Art and Artistic Expression Read More → Video: Reducing Gun Violence and Building Peace in Chicago Read More →
Promising Approaches to Reduce Gun Violence and Build Peace in Chicago Read More → Statement on Recent U.S. Immigration Policy Decisions Read More →
Initiative to Strengthen Inclusive Journalism in Chicago, Honor Jack Fuller Read More → Building Peace Read More → $3 Million in New Investments to Benefit Chicago Neighborhoods Read More →
Grants to Foster Community Safety and Peace Read More → Reversing the Damage of Segregation in Chicago Read More →
Enhancing Community Safety Through Successful Youth Mentoring Programs Read More → Partnerships to Support Arts and Culture in Chicago Read More → Creating a More Equitable Creative Sector in Chicago Read More →
$24.3 Million in Continued Support for Chicago Arts and Culture Read More → MacArthur in Chicago: Reflecting on 2017 Read More →
A Citywide Conversation on Incarceration in Chicago Communities Read More → Grassroots Alliance Recommends Community Safety Oversight Board Read More → City Tech Collaborative Launched Read More →
Director's Reflection: Advancing Leadership in Chicago Read More → Artistic Currency: Reflections on Building Chicago’s Inclusive Economy Event Read More →
Nine Chicago Arts Groups Receive MacArthur Grants for International Collaborations Read More → Live on MacArthur’s Facebook Page: Jahmal Cole of My Block, My Hood, My City Read More → Supporting Criminal Justice Reform in Cook County Read More →
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Chicago Stories

chicago stories Banking on Immigrant Communities Second Federal credit union serves the community by providing fresh start loans to allow people to reestablish credit, banking products that help immigrant families avoid predatory lenders, and mortgages for homebuyers who have trouble accessing credit. View More → chicago stories Transforming Communities and Cultivating Leaders The Resurrection Project creates healthier communities by investing in affordable housing, engaging in community outreach and organizing, and offering residents immigration legal aid, financial counseling, and youth programming. View More →
View All Chicago Stories
In The Media
"What Businesses Must Do to Stop the Cycle of Violence"
Crain's Chicago Business
Related Grantee: BUILD Inc.
"How to End the Cycle of Violence in Chicago"
The New York Times
Related Grantee: University of Chicago Crime Lab
"A Much-Needed Dose of Good Financial News for the South Side"
Crain's Chicago Business
Related Grantee: Self-Help Ventures Fund
"Lincoln Park Zoo Turns 150: How a Small Gift Led to One of the Best Free Zoos in the Country"
Chicago Tribune
Related Grantee: Lincoln Park Zoo
"Austin Groups Get Millions in MacArthur Funding"
Austin Weekly News
Related Grantee: Austin Coming Together
"Peace through Basketball: ‘Hoops in The Hood’ Takes over Balbo Drive"
Chicago Sun-Times
Related Grantee: Local Initiatives Support Corporation
View all in the media
Staff
Stephanie Platz, Managing Director, Programs
Stephanie Platz
Managing Director, Programs
Tara Magner, Director
Tara Magner
Director
Craig Howard, Director
Craig Howard
Director, Community & Economic Development, Internal Adviser, Chicago Commitment
Allison Clark, Associate Director
Allison Clark
Associate Director, Impact Investments
Janice A. Dunbar, Senior Grants Manager
Janice A. Dunbar
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, Program Officer
Tawa Mitchell
Program Officer
Karen S. Hott, Team Administrator
Karen S. Hott
Team Administrator
Mindy Martinez, Team Coordinator
Mindy Martinez
Team Coordinator
Louise Powell, Team Coordinator
Louise Powell
Team Coordinator
Media Contacts
Kristen Mack, Communications Officer
Kristen Mack
Communications Officer
Evaluation Contacts
Joanna Cohen, Program Officer
Joanna Cohen
Program Officer
Maurice Samuels, Program Officer
Maurice Samuels
Program Officer
View All Staff
The Historic Marquette Building Supporting Arts & Culture in Chicago
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Info For the Media

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

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