News
In Remembrance: Robert G. Bottoms
The Joyce Foundation mourns the passing of Board Member Emeritus Robert G. Bottoms. Bob served as a Joyce board member for 26 years, retiring in 2023.
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.
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.
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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
Learn more about our work in MichiganMinnesota
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
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disproportionate impact on Chicago communities facing persistent structural inequities, the Foundation established the Lend a Hand Fund to provide support to front-line community organizations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUND
The Latest From Joyce
News
In Remembrance: Charles U. Daly
Joyce mourns the passing of former Foundation President and Board Member Emerita Charles U. Daly. Chuck served as the Foundation’s president from 1978 to 1986 and remained a Board member until his retirement at age 92 in 2019.
News
Cooper Center Releases Comprehensive Findings on Data Centers in the Great Lakes Region
A new report on data centers to help understand both the scale of current development and the long-term implications for electricity demand, job creation, and regional competitiveness in the Great Lakes region.
Webinar
Community Cooperation and Homicide Clearance Rates: New Evidence from Chicago
Panelists discussed findings from a newly published peer-reviewed study that explores the relationship between police effectiveness – both real and perceived – and community members’ willingness to cooperate with police in homicide investigations.
In The Media
Commentary: Progress on gun violence doesn't deserve a trophy — yet. We must keep going.
Joyce Foundation program officers Louisa Aviles and Quintin Williams argue that sustaining recent declines in violence will require continued funding, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term commitment.
Webinar
Responding to Data Center Development: Emerging Insights for Communities
The goal of this webinar is to share learnings and connect diverse stakeholders interested in how local communities are experiencing and responding to data center development and other large projects.
Webinar
Gun Violence and Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of the Literature and Where We Stand
During the webinar, researchers discussed findings from a new study that examines local government spending patterns and their connection to public safety outcomes, specifically suicide and homicide.
News
Soledad Adrianzén McGrath Joins the Foundation as Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Program Director
Soledad rejoins the Joyce Foundation starting January 2026.
The Foundation Celebrated its 75th in 2023
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Ted Gregory highlights the Foundation's journey – from the first charitable giving to Joyce's current role as a $1 billion philanthropy advancing racial equity and economic mobility for the Great Lakes’ next generations.
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