The Field Foundation seeks to strengthen local news production and storytelling to further reflect Chicago and create a stronger, more connected, and sustainable local media ecosystem—in which the stories of all Chicagoans are told accurately, fairly, and contextually.
We are specifically focused on efforts to build and sustain media equity. This direction aligns with the many efforts in the journalism and media philanthropy sector to rebuild local news, including the groundbreaking Press Forward initiatives that have pooled philanthropy funds toward sustaining local journalism, both locally and nationally.
The vision for our Journalism & Storytelling portfolio is clear: support community power building by funding the effective dissemination of fact-based, impactful storytelling. An investment in these outlets is an investment in the ability of communities to see themselves represented, to access reliable news and information, and to advocate for meaningful change.
Journalism & Storytelling Goals
We seek to amplify the voices and impact of community journalists, media, and storytellers in the local media landscape, and support more reporting and storytelling by traditional and alternative journalism platforms.
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Journalism. We define journalism as “the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.” Source: American Press Institute
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Storytelling. We define storytelling as the act of creating fact-based stories that offer perspectives with the potential to change hearts, minds, and policy on pressing issues.
Opportunity offered by:
Opportunity type
Location(s) where available
Areas of focus
Equity/Inclusion
Investigative Journalism
Underrepresented Community(ies)