Daniel O. Ash, President of the Field Foundation, is seated in conversation. He is wearing a cream turtleneck and gray blazer. Pictured in the background is a wall with acoustic paneling.
Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash joins host @bpopetv.bsky.social on Episode 1 of Bridging Illinois — a new podcast series featuring the people and work behind Healing Illinois. Listen: vimeo.com/showcase/121...
Graphic with white background featuring the text "A Road Together" in large type, with the letters A, R, and T styled in bold green to form the program acronym ART. The text is framed by a square border that transitions from green on the left to blue on the right. At the bottom: "an initiative of: Field Foundation, supported by: MacArthur Foundation," with each organization's logo.
Our portal is open for A Road Together (ART) grant applications! Through our partnership with @macfound.org, small and mid-sized Chicago arts & culture organizations can apply for 3-year gen ops grants — 25 awards ranging from $10K to $100K per year. Apply by May 15.
Learn more: bit.ly/4dLPpFt
Chicago #JAWS members, be sure to save the date for @fieldfoundation.bsky.social's July 16 event:
Making of a Nation. Unmaking of a Narrative. Who Gets to Tell the Story?
📅 Save the Date: July 16, 2026 🕕 6–9pm 📍 Impact House, 200 W Madison St., 2nd Floor, Chicago
#AmericaAt250 #JournalismReckoning #Chicago (/end)
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. (4/)
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 on the World Press Freedom Index. (3/)
Among those ideals, a free press — recognized as the Fourth Estate — has always been central as an essential check on power, and a cornerstone of informed civic participation. Today, that cornerstone faces real pressure. (2/)
A green-toned graphic featuring the Statue of Liberty in the background. Text reads: "Save the Date — America @ 250: A Journalism Reckoning. Making of a nation. Unmaking of a narrative. Who gets to tell the story? Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00pm–9:00pm, Impact House, 200 West Madison Street, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL." The Field Foundation logo and fieldfoundation.org appear at the bottom.
July 4, 2026 marks America's Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Anniversaries like this invite both celebration and reflection: on the ideals our founders set forth, and on the ongoing work of living up to them. (1/)
Michelle Kanaar speaks to a group of attendees at the Covering Immigration Today workshop at Impact House. A screen behind her displays the CatchLight logo and event title. Participants are seated at tables and in chairs facing the panel.
Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash addresses attendees during the Covering Immigration Today workshop, gesturing toward the panel. The CatchLight presentation is visible on the screen behind him. Participants are engaged and seated throughout the room.
From left: Michelle Kanaar, Field Foundation Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika, and Borderless Magazine's Nissa Rhee smile together in front of a glass wall etched with the words "Dedicated to the Promise of Chicago" at Impact House.
On Tuesday, we convened the visual journalism community for a "Covering Immigration Today," workshop presented by @borderlessmag.bsky.social, in partnership with @catchlight-io.bsky.social. The event brought together photojournalists committed to covering immigration with care, rigor & and courage.
Daniel O. Ash, President of Field Foundation, speaks at the ONA26 podium on the grand stage of Hilton Chicago's International Ballroom, projected on a large screen behind him. Standing on stage from left to right: Maudlyne Ihejirika, Field Foundation's Director of Journalism & Storytelling; Nicholas Burt of the Driehaus Foundation; Bree Perry of the Joyce Foundation; and Tracy Baim of Press Forward Chicago. An ONA26 Chicago | March 30–April 1 sign is visible on the podium.
A projected slide in the ornate Hilton Chicago International Ballroom reads "With Thanks to the ONA26 Headline Sponsors, The Chicago J Funders," displaying logos for Press Forward Chicago, Field Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, and the Driehaus Foundation.
Niketa Patel, CEO & Executive Director of the Online News Association, welcomes ONA26 attendees from the podium at the Opening Plenary in Hilton Chicago's International Ballroom. Behind her, a large screen displays headshots of three journalists: Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, and Estefany Rodriguez.
Posing for a group photo at ONA26 (from left to right) are: Nicholas Burt of the Driehaus Foundation; Tracy Baim of Press Forward Chicago; Bree Perry of the Joyce Foundation; Daniel O. Ash, President, Field Foundation; and Maudlyne Ihejirika, Field Foundation's Director of Journalism & Storytelling. The group is smiling.
"You're part of a movement to strengthen journalism and local news."
Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash welcomed 1,200 journalists to #ONA26 in Chicago last night, speaking on behalf of fellow sponsoring funders: Press Forward Chicago, The Joyce Foundation & Driehaus Foundation.
Invitation graphic for ONA26 in Chicago, March 30–April 1 at the Hilton Chicago. Text reads: "Please join us for ONA26 | March 30–April 1 | Hilton Chicago. Opening Reception sponsored by Chicago J-Funders. We look forward to welcoming you!" Sponsor logos for Press Forward Chicago, The Joyce Foundation, Field Foundation, and Driehaus Foundation are displayed below.
Field Foundation has complimentary registrations available for grant recipients attending the ONA @journalists.org conference in Chicago. If you are a journalist with a Field Foundation-funded news outlet and would like to attend, please email rcastro@fieldfoundation.org by Monday, March 23.
A masked law enforcement officer in tactical gear stands atop an armored police vehicle marked "LENCO," holding a weapon and surveilling the area. The scene is partially obscured by haze or smoke. Text overlay reads: "Catchlight Live | Borderless — Covering Immigration Today: A workshop for photojournalists and photo editors on the complexity of immigration coverage. Made possible by PhotoWings. March 31 · Chicago."
Illinois State Police officers in riot gear detain a woman with curly red hair during what appears to be a protest or enforcement action, surrounded by a crowd in the background. Text overlay reads: "Catchlight Live | Borderless — Covering Immigration Today: A workshop for photojournalists and photo editors on the complexity of immigration coverage. Made possible by PhotoWings. March 31 · Chicago."
We're proud to host "Covering Immigration Today," a free workshop for photojournalists and photo editors presented by our grant recipient @borderlessmag.bsky.social in partnership with @catchlight-io.bsky.social Happening in Chicago on March 31. Register: www.catchlight.io/events/2026/...
Friendly reminder that Leaders for a New Chicago nominations are due in one week. Eligible nominees are leaders from nonprofits who have received a grant from the Field or MacArthur Foundations in recent years. Learn more and submit your nomination by Friday, March 20, at 11:59pm: bit.ly/4aFHZAr
Field Foundation staff seated in a circle in a bright, airy retreat space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bare winter trees and a blue sky. Team members engage in conversation, with coffee cups and printed materials on the low table at the center of the room.
Field Foundation staff gather for a group photo during their retreat, posing together in a warmly lit living room setting. Nine team members are arranged in two rows — some seated on a sofa, others standing behind — smiling at the camera.
They say make no small plans. The Field Foundation stepped away for a few days to connect, learn & think big about the future of community power building in Chicago. Thanks to Sonya Jackson & Yvonne Judice for leading our sessions and to Kate Lee & Neal Sales-Griffin for inspiring us to innovate.
"America @ 250: A Journalism Reckoning"
📅 Save the Date: July 16, 2026
🕕 6–9pm
📍 Impact House, 200 W Madison St., 3rd Floor, Chicago
#AmericaAt250 #JournalismReckoning #Chicago
"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.
Making of a Nation. Unmaking of a Narrative. Who Gets to Tell the Story?
Across the political spectrum 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/180 nations on the World Press Freedom Index.
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. (3/)
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. (2/)
Save the Date flyer for "America @ 250: A Journalism Reckoning" event by Field Foundation, 6–9pm at Impact House, 200 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL. Green background with Statue of Liberty
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. (1/)
With journalists increasingly at risk covering mass demonstrations & immigration enforcement activities, the Field Foundation is pleased to support the Chicago Headline Club Foundation in expanding safety resources & training for reporters and photographers.
Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash presents Field Foundation's portfolio approach to grantmaking during a conversation hosted by the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. Daniel is standing in front of a slide showing the foundation's core, adjacent, and experimental grant strategy.
Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash and Julia Stasch, Philanthropy Executive in Residence at the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, share a laugh during their conversation hosted by the Rustandy Center. A slide reading 'Field Foundation: Dedicated to the Promise of Chicago' is visible in the background.
Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash participated in a philanthropy discussion w/ students from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business alongside Julia Stasch, past president of @macfound.org & Philanthropy Executive in Residence at the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation.
Field Foundation COO Mark Murray speaks during a Publicity Club of Chicago panel discussion at Impact House. Murray, wearing a navy blazer and pink button-down shirt with a lanyard and microphone, gestures with his hands while addressing the audience.
The full panel during the Publicity Club of Chicago event at Impact House. From left to right: Lauren Foley, Amy Boston, Charles Mayfield, and Field Foundation COO Mark Murray discuss how communications and operations are evolving across sectors.
Panelists Amy Boston (left) and Charles Mayfield (center) listen during the Publicity Club of Chicago discussion at Impact House. Field Foundation COO Mark Murray is partially visible on the right.
Publicity Club of Chicago held an insightful panel discussion at Impact House last week with Field Foundation COO Mark Murray joining a conversation on how operations, communications & technology are evolving across nonprofits, education, agencies, and corporate sectors.
📸 CREDIT: Emilio Albertini
Leaders for a New Chicago 2026 program logo with red star and blue bracket. Gray text indicates this is a collaboration between the Field Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.
We're thrilled to launch our 8th annual Leaders for a New Chicago Award program. In collaboration with @macfound.org, we will award $50K each to 8 nonprofit leaders who are driving transformative change in Chicago. Awardees will receive $25K gen ops grants for their nonprofits More: bit.ly/4aFHZAr
Green graphic with white text featuring a quote from Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.: "It is time for us to turn to each other, not on each other." The Field Foundation logo appears in the bottom left corner, with fieldfoundation.org in the bottom right.
We honor the memory of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., who dedicated his life to lifting up the voiceless and understood that meaningful change comes from communities standing together. His legacy and tremendous impact as a tireless advocate will endure.
#communitypowerbuilding #chicago
A clean, professional graphic featuring the Leaders for a New Chicago logo, which incorporates the iconic six-pointed Chicago star in red positioned above a blue bracket symbol. The program name "Leaders for a New Chicago" appears in gray text, with "New Chicago" on a second line. Below the logo, smaller gray text reads "A collaboration between the Field Foundation & the MacArthur Foundation." At the bottom of the image, "2026 Program" appears in large blue text. The design uses a light gray background and follows a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the partnership between the two foundations.
Coming soon! In mid-Feb, we're kicking off our 8th annual Leaders for a New Chicago Award program. In collaboration with @macfound.org, we will award $50K each to 8 individuals who are leading transformative change from the ground up - plus, $25K gen ops grants for affiliated nonprofits. Stay tuned.
A three-panel photo collage showing the Half Step Financial Forum recording at WVON radio station. The images capture three men seated around a radio studio table with professional microphones. From left to right: Daniel O. Ash (Field Foundation President) wearing glasses and a black turtleneck, Marshall Lindsey, PhD (Half Step Co-Founder) in a navy blue jacket, and Lyle Logan (Field Foundation Board Member) wearing black. All three are engaged in animated conversation during the broadcast. The top of the image features a green banner with white text reading "Half Step Financial Forum." The bottom displays the Field Foundation logo and website (fieldfoundation.org) on a green background.
Yesterday, Half Step, a nonprofit financing organization that expands access to capital for underserved businesses, took over The Morning Show with Rufus Williams on @WVON 1690 AM. Watch (conversation begins at 55:20): bit.ly/3LO4Npj
Learn more about Half Step: www.ahalfstep.com
ecorative graphic with blue and teal hearts on colorful background featuring the Healing Illinois logo (a checkered heart). Text reads 'HEALING ILLINOIS Subgrantee Announcement' with 'Congratulations!' in script. Bottom text says 'Read more at Healing.Illinois.gov'.
We're proud to share the 2025-2026 #HealingIllinois subgrantees! In partnership with @ilhumanservices, we will distribute $4.3 million in Healing Illinois grants to nearly 200 nonprofits to support racial & community healing statewide.
Learn more at healing.illinois.gov.
Sharing an opportunity to apply for the Chicago Planning Academy, Mar 10-May 26. The program, a collaboration between the Chicago Architecture Center & the Center for Neighborhood Technology, is designed to empower residents to create positive change in their communities. More below. bit.ly/4sQzDOA
Green background with a white quote that reads: "Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." The quote is attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in white text at the bottom right. The Field Foundation logo and website (fieldfoundation.org) appear at the bottom of the image.
Today, we honor the memory of Dr. King and celebrate the dedicated individuals and organizations who carry forward his legacy.