Journalism & Storytelling
We invest in fact-based journalism and storytelling that reflects all Chicagoans and supports communities across the city.
The Field Foundation seeks to strengthen local news production and storytelling to create a more connected and sustainable media ecosystem—one in which the stories of all Chicagoans are told accurately, fairly, and contextually.
We focus specifically on news outlets that center underrepresented communities — newsrooms whose coverage enables residents to see themselves, access reliable information, and advocate for meaningful change. Our grantmaking is supported by our strategic partnerships with the MacArthur Foundation and Democracy Fund.
We also contribute to broader efforts in journalism and media philanthropy to rebuild local news, including the groundbreaking Press Forward initiative, which has mobilized significant philanthropic investment in local journalism, nationally and in Chicago.
On this Page
Seeks to strengthen local news production and storytelling to create a more connected and sustainable local media ecosystem
Focuses on news outlets that center underrepresented communities — newsrooms whose coverage enables residents to see themselves, access reliable information, and advocate for meaningful change
Contributes to broader efforts in journalism and media philanthropy to rebuild local news.
Capacity
Building
Central to our work is a focus on capacity building to address industry-wide challenges and provide sustainable support essential for organizational growth.
In 2024, we established the Field Foundation Journalism & Storytelling Inaugural Mult-Year Cohort. We awarded $75,000 grants, renewable over two years, to four Chicago news outlets that represent the vibrance and innovation of Chicago’s media landscape:
Borderless Magazine: Reimagining coverage of Chicago’s immigrant communities through a multilingual, equity-focused newsroom with content published in English and Spanish, the outlet has won national recognition for community engagement and innovative reporting.
Chicago News Weekly: Founded by the former leaders of the Chicago Defender, Chicago News Weekly addresses information gaps in Black communities. With readership of 100,000+, the outlet provides on-the-job training for earlycareer journalists and focuses on spurring civic participation.
Investigative Project on Race & Equity: Illinois’ only news organization dedicated solely to investigative reporting on race and equity. Their data-driven approach, including an in-depth investigation on trafficstops and racial profiling, has drawn national acclaim.
South Side Weekly has transformed local news through collaborative journalism. With a network of 1,500 contributors from 37 communities, the outlet empowers residents to tell their own stories and has ranked third in reader satisfaction among Chicago news outlets.
Application
Process
We accept applications on a rolling basis
As the Journalism & Storytelling portfolio, we will continue the Field Foundation’s mission to tell untold stories and ensure diverse viewpoints in the public square.
