Journalism & Storytelling
We invest in fact-based journalism and storytelling that gives voice to all Chicagoans and strengthens communities across the city.
Every Chicagoan deserves access to accurate, fair, and trustworthy local news. We work to strengthen local journalism and storytelling so that all community stories are told — and heard.
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 invest in broader efforts to rebuild local news across Chicago and the country, including Press Forward — a groundbreaking initiative mobilizing significant philanthropic investment in local journalism, nationally and in Chicago.
On this Page
Strengthens local news production and storytelling to create a more connected and sustainable local media ecosystem
Invests in newsrooms whose coverage enables residents to see themselves, access reliable information, and advocate for meaningful change
Contributes to broader efforts to rebuild local news across Chicago and the country
Capacity
Building
Central to our work is providing sustainable, multi-year support that helps news organizations grow, adapt, and continue serving their communities.
In 2024, we launched the Field Foundation Journalism & Storytelling Multi-Year Cohort, awarding $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, Borderless Magazine 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 early-career journalists and focuses on spurring civic participation.
Investigative Project on Race & Equity: As Illinois’ only news organization dedicated solely to investigative reporting on race and equity, Investigative Project on Race & Equity takes a data-driven approach. Its in-depth investigation on traffic stops and racial profiling has drawn national acclaim.
South Side Weekly : Transforming local news through collaborative journalism, South Side Weekly has 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.
Join us on Thursday, July 16!
July 4, 2026 marks America’s Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Amid the many celebrations, it’s also a moment of reflection: on our founding ideals, on the progress we’ve made, and on the work still ahead.
In 1776, American colonists declared independence and set forth a bold vision. In 1787, our founders signed the Constitution. In 1791, the Bill of Rights enshrined essential freedoms — including freedom of the press. Over time, a free and independent press became recognized as the Fourth Estate: a vital check on power and a cornerstone of informed civic life.
Today, that cornerstone faces real pressure. Across the political spectrum, many Americans share concern about the state of public discourse, trust in institutions, and the health of local and national journalism. Journalists across the country have faced mounting challenges — and the U.S. now ranks 57th among 180 nations on the World Press Freedom Index.
So where do we go from here?
“America @ 250: A Journalism Reckoning” invites Chicago’s entire journalism ecosystem for an evening of honest conversation — reflecting on journalism’s past, engaging journalism’s present, and reimagining its future.
Application
Process
We accept applications on a rolling basis
When local news is strong, communities are stronger. We invest in the newsrooms making sure the often untold stories of Chicago’s communities belong to the authentic narrative of our city.
