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 Leaders for a New Chicago Award is a $50,000 no-strings-attached award that celebrates community-based, grassroots leaders who are bringing new voices, creativity, and innovation into the decisions and structures that shape Chicago.
In addition to $50,000 in unrestricted funding — no spending guidelines, no reporting requirements — the leaders receive $25,000 general operating grants for their affiliated nonprofits. Since the Leaders for a New Chicago Award launched in 2019, the Field and MacArthur Foundations have committed $4.45 million to support 81 awardees and their organizations.
This award reflects our shared belief in the important work of community leaders and in ensuring they have the necessary resources to continue driving transformative change across our city. Meet the 2026 Leaders for a New Chicago and the previous cohorts below.
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Meet the Leaders
The 81 recipients of the Leaders for a New Chicago Award represent a broad array of Chicago residents doing community-based work.
Invests in leaders driving transformational change in Chicago
Recognizes community-based, grassroots leaders
Celebrates leaders who are bringing new voices, creativity, and innovation into the decisions and structures that shape Chicago
Eligibility
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 of community leaders, and 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 2027 Leaders for a New Chicago Award will open in early 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Leaders for a New Chicago Award? Find answers in our Frequently Asked Questions document.
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.
