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 opens on February 18. Learn more below.
Nominations open February 18
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. Since its inception,
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.
On this Page
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.
Eligibility
We are accepting nominations for the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Award from February 18 through March 20. Eligible nominees must:
- Qualify as:
- 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.
Selection
Committee
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.
Meet the
Leaders
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.
