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.

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What We Fund

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

Learn more about our work 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

Lend a Hand Fund

The Joyce Foundation established the Lend a Hand Fund in 2020 to provide support to BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving community organizations working to help Chicago residents hardest hit by COVID and the impacts of systemic racism.

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The Joyce Awards

Inspiring creativity, artistic excellence, and collaboration. The Joyce Awards is the only regional program dedicated to supporting new commissions by artists of color in major Great Lakes cities.

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Policy Watch

The Latest From Joyce

News

Joyce Mourns the Passing of Founding Board Member Jack Anderson

Anderson was co-chair of the Board of Directors from '84-'87, Board Chair from '87-2011, and then emeritus director. He is largely responsible for establishing the vision of the organization and building it into one of Illinois’ largest philanthropies...

In The Media

The Top 50 Women Leaders of Illinois for 2023

Women We Admire features Joyce's Kayce Ataiyero as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Illinois for 2023. Ataiyero has extensive experience in communications, journalism and politics.

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