Leaders for a New Chicago

Leaders for a New Chicago is a grant from the MacArthur Foundation that funds community-based, grassroots leaders in Chicago who are redefining civic leadership and reimagining the city's future. Administered in collaboration with the Field Foundation, the award recognizes eight nonprofit leaders working in arts, justice, and media and storytelling sectors.

The program brings new voices, creativity, and innovation into the systems that shape Chicago. Eligible applicants are individuals leading organizations in these sectors in Chicago; nominations are accepted annually. Each recipient receives $50,000 per year for three years of unrestricted support.

Leaders for a New Chicago – Field Foundation Leaders for a New Chicago Leaders for A New Chicago Our collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation recognizes leaders who are redefining civic leadership and reimagining our city’s future. The nomination window for our 2026 program is open through March 20 . Learn more below.

Submit your nominations by March 20 The Leaders for a New Chicago Award recognizes community-based, grassroots leaders with the aim of bringing new voices, creativity, and innovation into the systems that shape Chicago. The award recognizes eight nonprofit leaders, providing each with $50,000 in unrestricted funding—no spending guidelines, no reporting requirements.

Each leader’s affiliated nonprofit also receives a $25,000 general operating grant. The Leaders for a New Chicago Award has recognized 73 leaders, including artists, community developers, educators, journalists & storytellers, and organizers. Individually and collectively, they are strengthening Chicago and helping to write its next chapter.

Invests in leaders driving transformational change in Chicago Recognizes community-based, grassroots leaders Aims to bring new voices, creativity, and innovation into the systems that shape Chicago. We are accepting nominations for the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Award through March 20 .

Eligible nominees must: ​ A Field Foundation grant recipient in the following core program areas: Arts & Culture, Journalism & Storyteling, Justice & Community Power Building (within the last two years) A MacArthur Foundation Chicago Commitment or Chicago-based Journalism & Media grant recipient (current or expedited “X” grant in the last three years) Live in Chicago , Cook County or the five collar counties ( DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry , or Will ) at the time of nomination Work in one of the following areas: ​ Arts & Culture .

Nominees are deeply rooted in community, creating art and advancing the capacity of emerging artists. Journalism & Storytelling . Nominees tell untold stories and bring diverse viewpoints to the public square.

They fill information gaps with narratives, news, and investigations accurately reflecting community needs. Justice & Community Power Building . Nominees increase the visibility of critical issues affecting their communities and demonstrate impact in addressing them.

They build deep community relationships and develop local leaders. Have developed a strong working relationship with the affiliated organization for at least one year at the time of the nomination.

Check Eligibile Organizations A selection committee, facilitated by the Field and MacArthur Foundations’ staff, manages the selection process using a rubric to review nominations and recommend the next recipients of the Leaders for a New Chicago Award. Awardees are announced in the summer timeframe. The nominations for the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Award is open through March 20 .

To learn more: ​ Watch a brief video and review our presentation Read our Frequently Asked Questions document Frequently Asked Questions Questions about the Leaders for a New Chicago Award? Find answers in our Frequently Asked Questions. Collectively, the 73 recipients of the Leaders for a New Chicago Award represent a broad array of Chicago residents doing community-based work.

The awardees are artists, community developers, educators, journalists & storytellers, and organizers. The Leaders for a New Chicago Award uplifts individuals who stand as a testament to the leadership our city needs—rooted in lived experience, fueled by resilience, and driven by a deep love for community. Director of ART & Leadership