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 is now closed. We will announce the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Awardees in the summer.
The Leaders for a New Chicago Award recognizes community-based, grassroots leaders who are bringing new voices, creativity, and innovation into the decisions and structures that shape Chicago’s future.
The award recognizes eight 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.
The Leaders for a New Chicago Award has recognized 73 leaders—artists, community developers, educators, journalists & storytellers, and organizers—whose work is shaping Chicago’s next chapter.
On this Page
Invests in leaders driving transformational change in Chicago
Recognizes community-based, grassroots leaders
Brings new voices, creativity, and innovation into the decisions and structures that shape Chicago’s future
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.
Eligibility
We are accepting nominations for the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Award through March 20. Eligible nominees must:
- Qualify as:
- A Field Foundation grant recipient in the following core program areas: Arts & Culture, Journalism & Storytelling, 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 opening doors for emerging artists.
- Journalism & Storytelling. Nominees tell untold stories and bring diverse viewpoints to the public square. They fill information gaps with stories, news, and investigations that reflect — and are accountable to — the communities they serve.
- Justice & Community Power Building. Nominees shine a light on the issues that matter most to their communities and work toward lasting change. They build deep relationships and invest in the leadership of people around them.
- 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 staff from the Field and MacArthur Foundations, reviews nominations using a rubric and recommends the next cohort of awardees. Recipients are announced in summer.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Award are now closed. We will announce the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago Awardees in the summer. To learn more:
- Watch a brief video and review our presentation
- Download our rubric
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions document
- Send us your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Leaders for a New Chicago Award? Find answers in our Frequently Asked Questions.
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 their communities.
