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

Rolling (submit a brief description anytime)

Award size and duration vary; past partnerships range from $6,000 to multi-million dollar collaborations.

Supports collaborative projects in Chicago that advance racial equity, address gun violence, strengthen community safety, and respond to timely civic challenges.

Most support is by invitation, but organizations may submit ideas for consideration.

--- ## Description The Civic Partnerships initiative of the MacArthur Foundation backs collaborative efforts among philanthropic, corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations in Chicago to address urgent and systemic challenges. The program's core focus is advancing racial equity and building a more inclusive city, with priority areas including gun violence reduction, health disparities (particularly those revealed by COVID-19), economic recovery, and police legitimacy. Funding is also available for targeted opportunities such as census participation, cultural preservation, and crisis response. The initiative emphasizes community-driven solutions and fosters partnerships that leverage collective resources for greater impact, with evaluation and learning integral to ongoing improvement. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Organizations interested in support may submit a brief description of their work at any time via the grants portal. - Most grants are awarded by invitation; unsolicited proposals are considered but less common. --- ## Funding Amount - Award size and duration vary by project and partnership. - Previous collaborative efforts have ranged from small grants (e.g., $6,000 for arts organizations) to multi-million dollar, multi-year partnerships (e.g., $1.5M for creative placemaking, $28M cumulative for violence prevention). - Funding may support direct services, capacity-building, evaluation, or special projects. --- ## Eligibility - Primarily open to nonprofit organizations, community-based groups, and collaborative partnerships operating in Chicago. - Eligible applicants generally include: - Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or equivalent) - Coalitions or partnerships involving nonprofits, government, and/or private sector - Research institutions and community organizations - Most funding is by invitation, but organizations may submit a brief description for consideration. - Projects must align with the initiative’s focus on racial equity, violence prevention, community safety, or timely civic challenges in Chicago. --- ## Application Process - Review the [program overview and strategy](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/civic-partnerships/) to ensure alignment. - Organizations seeking support should [submit a brief description](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) of their work through the MacArthur Foundation grants portal. - The Foundation’s staff reviews submissions and may invite selected organizations to submit a full proposal. - Most grants are awarded through invitations in coordination with other funders, but unsolicited ideas are welcome. - Evaluation and learning are built into the process for both applicants and grantees. --- ## Additional Information - The initiative funds a broad range of partnerships, including: - Violence prevention and intervention (e.g., Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities) - Health equity and COVID-19 response (e.g., Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund) - Economic recovery and support for racial justice movements - Support for artists and arts organizations impacted by crises - Civic initiatives like census participation and public resource development - Evaluation is ongoing, and findings are shared publicly to inform the field. - For more information on the Chicago Commitment’s broader focus areas, see [Chicago Commitment](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/). --- ## External Links - [Civic Partnerships Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/civic-partnerships/) - [Submit a Brief Description / Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Program and Funding Guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/info-for-grantseekers/guidelines-funding-cycles/) - [Evaluation Strategy](https://www.macfound.org/learning/evaluation-strategy) - [Recent Grantee News](https://www.macfound.org/whatsnew/latest-news?program=102162) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [4answers@macfound.org](mailto:4answers@macfound.org) | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Grants Portal Support | [MacArthur Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) | | Foundation Contact Page| [Contact Us](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | ---

Civic Partnerships - MacArthur Foundation

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