Field Fellowship

The Field Foundation Fellowship is open to graduate students in Chicago! Fellows have a premier opportunity to learn about and participate in the foundation’s work: supporting community power building in Chicago by investing in civic infrastructure, the cultural sector, local news outlets, and organizers. Over a nine-month period, fellows work closely with Field program directors and staff, gaining exposure to a wide range of social and economic issues while discovering trends in the nonprofit sector. Past fellows have worked with their schools to gain credit toward degrees. Learn more

The Field Fellowship application window for the 2025-2026 academic is open through Monday, March 31 at 11:59pm. Please email a cover letter, your resume, and two writing samples to Richard Tran, the Field Foundation’s Director of ART & Leadership Initiatives.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (front row, second to left) worked with Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika (back row, far left) to organize the Chicago Journalists Wellness and Resource Forum in March 2025.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (front row, second to left) worked with Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika (back row, far left) to organize the Chicago Journalists Wellness and Resource Forum in March 2025.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (far right) worked with Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika (second to left) to organize the "The Journalism Jobs Crisis: A Call to Action" discussion in November 2024.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (far right) worked with Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika (second to left) to organize the "The Journalism Jobs Crisis: A Call to Action" discussion in November 2024.

Field Fellows Edith Zarco and Michelle Manson (front row, second to right and far right) attended the Hispanics in Philanthropy Conference in Chicago with Field President Daniel O. Ash (center), Field grantee partners, and Field staff in June 2024.

Field Fellows Edith Zarco and Michelle Manson (front row, second to right and far right) attended the Hispanics in Philanthropy Conference in Chicago with Field President Daniel O. Ash (center), Field grantee partners, and Field staff in June 2024.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (right) with consultant Grayson Ticer at Field's holiday party in December 2024.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (right) with consultant Grayson Ticer at Field's holiday party in December 2024.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (far right) worked with Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika to organize the "The Journalism Jobs Crisis: A Call to Action" discussion in November 2024.

Field Fellow Reese Castro (far right) worked with Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika to organize the "The Journalism Jobs Crisis: A Call to Action" discussion in November 2024.

Field Fellows learn all aspects of the Field Foundation’s grantmaking process. Activities include:

•       Reviewing grant proposals and reports, focusing on activities, budget, results, and indicators of success.

•       Supporting Field staff in conducting site visits and meetings with grantee partners and potential grantees.

•       Writing briefs and supporting Field staff in recommending grants for the Field Foundation Board of Directors’ review.

•       Supporting all aspects of the annual Leaders for a New Chicago Award process.

•       Engaging with strategic funding partners and other nonprofit partners in meetings, conferences and other opportunities.