Journalism & Storytelling

The Field Foundation seeks to strengthen local news production and storytelling to further reflect Chicago and create a stronger, more connected, and sustainable local media ecosystem—in which the stories of all Chicagoans are told accurately, fairly, and contextually.

We are specifically focused on efforts to build and sustain media equity. This direction aligns with the many efforts in the journalism/media philanthropy sector to rebuild local news, including the groundbreaking Press Forward initiatives that have pooled philanthropy funds toward sustaining local journalism, both locally and nationally.

The Journalism & Storytelling program was created in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Photography by Felton Edward Kizer

Journalism & Storytelling Goals

We seek to amplify the voices and impact of community journalists, media, and storytellers in the local media landscape, and support more reporting and storytelling by traditional and alternative journalism platforms.

  • Journalism. We define journalism as “the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.” Source: American Press Institute

  • Storytelling. We define storytelling as the act of creating fact-based stories that offer perspectives with the potential to change hearts, minds, and policy on pressing issues.

Aplication process

We accept grant applications on a rolling basis

“As the Journalism & Storytelling portfolio, we will continue Field’s mission to tell untold stories and ensure diverse viewpoints in the public square. Our focus will be further supporting impactful and promising news outlets and startups reflective of Chicago’s communities, and the filling of information gaps with narratives, news, and investigations accurately reflecting community needs.”

Maudlyne Ihejirika
Field Foundtion
Journalism & Storytelling
Program Officer