MacArthur Foundation awards $11 million for economic development

February 5, 2025

The Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced 10 grants totaling $11 million in support of place-based economic development.

Awarded through the foundation’s Vital Communities grantmaking strategy, the grants will assist organizations in Chicago-based organizations that were selected based on indicators such as levels of community engagement, income and wealth, demographic shifts, public safety, and the history of investment and/or disinvestment. Each organization will receive $1.1 million in general operating support over four years.

Recipients include Austin Coming Together, Far South Community Development Corporation, Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative, Go Green Development Group, Greater Southwest Development Corporation, Latinos Progresando, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, Puerto Rican Cultural Center, and South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/FredFroese)

"Supporting place-based economic development in ten communities." John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation press release 01/29/2025.