Firearms fix
Saving lives by stemming gun violence is the goal of a new law in Illinois that will strengthen background checks, shore up the state’s outdated gun-license system, and invest in mental health services for impacted communities.
Investing in the future of the Great Lakes region.
We invest in evidence-informed public policies and strategies to advance racial equity and economic mobility for the next generation in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin.
Learn more about usWhat We Fund
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Culture
Inspiring creativity and cultural stewardship in the next generation and fostering culturally vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities.
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Democracy
Building a more equitable democracy by striving for participation and representation by all people who call the Great Lakes home.
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Education & Economic Mobility
Closing income and race disparities in college and career success through equitable access to high-quality education and jobs.
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Environment
Working to solve the long-term environmental challenges that threaten the next generation in the Great Lakes region.
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Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform
Building safe and just communities in the Great Lakes Region.
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Journalism
Supporting high-quality journalism projects focused on public policy issues affecting the Great Lakes region.
Where We Fund
We support organizations that work to improve the quality of life in the Great Lakes region. Click on each state to see some of the groups we fund.
Illinois
In Illinois, the Joyce Foundation supports work to reduce domestic violence homicide in Cook County; to conduct research on justice system responses to gun offending; to strengthen Black cultural institutions; to promote youth civic engagement; to create pathways to college and career; and to promote community voice in water policy.
Example Grantees in Illinois
Indiana
In Indiana, the Joyce Foundation supports work to raise the profile of the teaching profession; to strengthen the student-teacher experience; and to cover the Indiana Legislature with a focus on state elections and education.
Example Grantees in Indiana
Ohio
In Ohio, the Joyce Foundation currently supports work to advance climate solutions; to advocate for inclusive higher ed state policies; to improve election administration, protect voting rights and lead redistricting reform; to reduce harmful college debt collection practices; and to address challenges faced by OH’s largest cities.
Example Grantees in Ohio
Michigan
In Michigan, the Joyce Foundation supports work to engage community partners for input on redistricting maps; to provide Flint residents with trusted water safety information; to provide civic news coverage; and to promote community-driven alternatives to incarceration.
Example Grantees in Michigan
Minnesota
In Minnesota, the Joyce Foundation currently supports work to promote voting and fair elections; to facilitate the implementation and evaluation of the “Lights On!” program; to develop recommendations on strengthening K-12, higher ed and workforce sector alignment; to advocate for a more racially equitable higher ed system; and to reduce global warming pollution from MN’s electric power sector.
Example Grantees in Minnesota
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the Joyce Foundation currently supports work to protect voting rights; to prevent gun violence; to advocate for water policy reforms; to advocate to close racial and economic gaps in postsecondary education; and to support a community arts collaboration.
Example Grantees in Wisconsin
Policy Watch
Getting the lead out
Illinois lawmakers mandate that utilities replace toxic lead water lines, a decades old threat. New legislation provides for state grants and technical assistance and prioritizes communities at highest risk–Black and Latino.
Energy efficiency
Under-resourced communities in Minnesota soon will receive a jolt of financial support for energy efficiency, thanks to newly passed legislation to help the state achieve its decarbonization goals equitably.
The Latest From Joyce
Webinar
Joyce Awards Information Session
Joyce Awards application information and 2021 Virtual Session recording.
News
Aspen Prize guides giving to community colleges
The rigorous Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is being credited with guiding philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in her recent barrage of giving to higher education institutions.
News
Gun violence prevention research “starting to find its footing”
As gun violence surges across the nation, the scientific journal Nature reports that researchers finally are beginning to “have the money to ask why.”
News
$14.4 million for Chicago’s Cultural Treasures
Forty organizations that contribute to the history, culture, vibrancy, and identity of communities of color in greater Chicago will be receiving $14.4 million through the new Chicago's Cultural Treasures initiative.
Webinar
The state of federal funding for gun violence research and data
A new report finds that roughly $600 million over five years needed to close gun violence research gap. Dr. Shani Buggs, Zach Gaumer, and Dr. John Roman shared their perspectives and key issues in gun violence prevention research.