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

Rolling

Varies by project; award sizes are not fixed and depend on scope and partnership.

Supports collaborative, community-driven efforts to address urgent challenges and advance racial equity in Chicago.

Most grants are invitation-only, but organizations may submit ideas for consideration.

--- ## Description The Civic Partnerships initiative, part of the MacArthur Foundation's Chicago Commitment, is designed to foster collaboration among philanthropic, corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations to tackle critical and timely challenges in Chicago. The program emphasizes advancing racial equity, building a more inclusive city, and supporting solutions identified by community members. Civic Partnerships leverages collective assets and expertise to address issues like violence prevention, civilian oversight, crisis response (e.g., COVID-19), and other unique opportunities that benefit Chicago residents. Ongoing evaluation and learning are integral to the initiative, ensuring strategies are refined for maximum impact. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. - Most support is provided by invitation, but organizations may submit ideas at any time through the grants portal. --- ## Funding Amount - Grant sizes vary depending on the project scope, partnership, and identified community needs. - There is no published minimum or maximum award size; funding is tailored to the collaborative effort and impact potential. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and collaborative partnerships among philanthropic, corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. - Projects must address challenges relevant to Chicago and advance racial equity and inclusion. - While most grants are awarded by invitation, organizations can submit a brief description of their work for consideration. - Activities must primarily benefit Chicago residents; geographic focus is limited to Chicago and, in some cases, the broader Illinois area. --- ## Application Process - Most grants are made by invitation in coordination with other funders. - Organizations interested in consideration may [submit a brief description of their work through the MacArthur Foundation grants portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/). - Review the [Program and Funding Guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) before applying. - Proposals should demonstrate collaboration, community engagement, and alignment with the initiative’s focus on racial equity and inclusion. --- ## Additional Information - The initiative has a strong focus on violence prevention, civilian oversight, crisis response, and elevating community voices. - Evaluation and learning are ongoing; grantees may be asked to participate in customized evaluation processes. - For more on current and past grantee activities, see the [Civic Partnerships news and publications](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/civic-partnerships/). --- ## External Links - [Civic Partnerships Program Page](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/civic-partnerships/) - [MacArthur Foundation Grants Portal (Submit Idea)](https://macfound.fluxx.io/) - [Program and Funding Guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) - [Chicago Commitment Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | 4answers@macfound.org | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Contact Form | [Contact MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | ---

Civic Partnerships - MacArthur Foundation

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