[MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org)

Rolling (submit ideas or nominations at any time)

Individual awards: $50,000 (plus $25,000 to affiliated nonprofit); organizational grants vary, typically for technical assistance/capacity building.

Supports diverse Chicago leaders and organizations to advance equity, inclusion, and effective leadership across the civic sector.

--- ## Description The Advancing Leadership initiative by the MacArthur Foundation aims to promote and support thriving leaders across Chicago, especially those who have faced adversity, discrimination, or prejudice. The program seeks to increase the representation of underrepresented voices in the civic sector, foster leaders’ capacity to influence decision-making, and leverage leadership to advance equitable policies and practices in the city. Support is provided through: - Grants to leadership programs that reflect and amplify diverse voices. - Direct support for individual leaders for personal and professional development. - Grants to organizations for technical assistance and capacity building. The initiative is part of the foundation’s broader Chicago Commitment, which focuses on Culture, Equity, and the Arts; Vital Communities; and Civic Partnerships. --- ## Due Dates - Rolling (submit ideas or nominations at any time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Individual Leaders:** The "Leaders for a New Chicago" awards $50,000 to each of eight recipients annually. Additionally, recipients’ affiliated nonprofits receive a $25,000 general operating grant. - **Organizations:** Funding varies and typically supports technical assistance, capacity building, and leadership development programs. Amounts are determined based on the proposal and program needs. --- ## Eligibility - **Individual Leaders:** - Must be based in Chicago and demonstrate leadership in their communities, professional fields, or areas of interest. - Focus on individuals who have faced adversity, discrimination, or prejudice. - For the "Leaders for a New Chicago" award, nominees should work in the arts, justice, or media/storytelling sectors (in partnership with the Field Foundation). - **Organizations:** - Nonprofit organizations serving Chicago communities, especially those reflecting and serving underrepresented populations. - Priority to organizations led by or predominantly staffed by individuals representing communities most affected by structural racism, discrimination, or disinvestment. - Programs should have a clear connection to arts and culture, community/economic development, or community safety/violence prevention. --- ## Application Process - **Organizations:** - Submit a brief description of your leadership program through the [MacArthur Foundation grants portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). - **Individual Leaders:** - Nominate yourself or another leader for the "Leaders for a New Chicago" award via the [Field Foundation nomination portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/home/logon?urlkey=fieldfoundationscholarship). Applicants are encouraged to review program guidelines and ensure alignment with the foundation’s focus areas. --- ## Additional Information - The initiative emphasizes equity and inclusion, aiming to foster diverse and effective leadership across Chicago’s civic sector. - The program supports both emerging and established leaders, as well as organizations seeking to strengthen their leadership infrastructure. - New applicants, especially those who have not previously received support, are encouraged to apply. --- ## External Links - [Advancing Leadership Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/advancing-leadership/) - [MacArthur Foundation Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Leaders for a New Chicago Nomination Portal (Field Foundation)](https://www.grantinterface.com/home/logon?urlkey=fieldfoundationscholarship) - [Grant Guidelines & Info for Grantseekers](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) - [Chicago Commitment Focus Areas](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [4answers@macfound.org](mailto:4answers@macfound.org) | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Contact Form | [Contact MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us)| | Grants Portal Support | [MacArthur Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) |

Advancing Leadership

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