Justice Portfolio Grant

The Field Foundation’s Justice portfolio supports grassroots organizations and initiatives engaged in building community power and advancing resident-led reform agendas in Chicago. With a strong commitment to civic engagement and advocacy, the Foundation funds social justice work across issues such as housing, immigration, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. These investments are designed to strengthen the civic infrastructure necessary to achieve long-term, systemic change in underserved communities. The Justice portfolio is one of three core funding areas offered by the Foundation, alongside Journalism & Storytelling and A Road Together (ART). While ART operates on an annual cycle in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, both the Justice and Journalism & Storytelling portfolios accept applications on a rolling basis. This continuous intake model allows community-based organizations to apply for funding when they are ready, without being bound to a specific deadline. The Foundation prioritizes funding to benefit Chicago’s South and West Sides, with support focused on nonprofits that are either based in Chicago or serve these priority geographies. Organizations without a 501(c)(3) designation may still apply under the Justice portfolio by working with a fiscal sponsor or agent, provided they meet certain criteria. The Field Foundation emphasizes that 501(c)(3) status is preferred but not required, and applicants should contact a program officer to clarify their eligibility and the structure of their fiscal partnership. Grant requests under this portfolio generally fall within the $15,000 to $50,000 range. These funds may be used for general operating support aligned with justice-related outcomes. The Foundation distributes over $10 million annually across its various portfolios in collaboration with strategic partners. However, the specific amount allocated to the Justice portfolio is not itemized publicly. There are no mandatory cost-share or matching requirements for applicants. The submission process is accessible through an online portal. For those unable to submit electronically, the Foundation accepts hard copy applications and provides guidance through its program officers. While no specific application components are publicly listed, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate alignment with community-defined agendas, capacity for organizing and advocacy, and commitment to civic inclusion. The Justice portfolio does not operate on a fixed timeline or publish anticipated award notification dates. The rolling nature of the application process enables flexibility, allowing organizations to engage with the Foundation as strategic partners when ready. Applicants are advised to contact program staff to ensure eligibility and understand the application format that best suits their circumstances.

Focus on community-rooted advocacy, alignment with South/West Side reform agendas, and authentic storytelling.