High Stakes for Voters in Upcoming Wisconsin Election
Wisconsin voters will also be asked to weigh in on a statewide ballot issue in upcoming election.
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
Policy Watch
Cahokia Heights, IL Settlement with DOJ and EPA Over Sewer System Violations
$30M will go to sewer system repairs after years of untreated sewage harming residents thanks to the advocacy and legal action led by Joyce grantee Equity Legal Services.
Landmark settlement in lawsuit against Wisconsin fraudulent electors scheme
Two Joyce Foundation grantees recently reached settlement agreements in a legal case seeking to hold accountable individuals who played a key role in a scheme to submit a fraudulent slate of electors from Wisconsin in the 2020 presidential election.
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.
LEARN MOREThe Latest From Joyce
News
Carole L. Brown Joins Joyce Foundation Board
The Joyce Foundation is pleased to welcome Carole L. Brown to its Board of Directors.
Webinar
Data Center Development in the Great Lakes: Emerging Trends & Insights
The Joyce Foundation and Fresh Coast Climate Solutions explored the rapid growth of data centers in the Great Lakes region, highlighting emerging trends and policy considerations to balance economic opportunities with environmental and social impacts.
Webinar
New Research on Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs
During this webinar, panelists discussed the hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) model, and new findings that explore the brief hospital-based interventions and a regional approach to HVIP implementation.
News
In Remembrance of Melissa Hortman: Transformational Policy Leader
In mourning the tragic loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman, we honor her leadership on climate and gun violence prevention work. A longtime partner of Joyce and our grantees, she championed evidence-based policy to advance equity and safety for all Minnesotans.
Webinar
Criminal Legal Expenditures and Public Safety Tradeoffs: New Evidence from the Great Lakes Region
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.
In The Media
Opinion: It's more important than ever to fund local journalism
Joyce’s Hugh Dellios, Journalism program director, discusses revitalizing local news—it's crucial to support trustworthy journalism, especially in areas like higher education, to ensure informed communities and smart decision-making.
Source
Crain's Cleveland Business
In The Media
Civic heavyweights push CPD to rethink community policing strategy
A new report by CP21 (funded by the Joyce Foundation) urges Chicago police to make community policing a core strategy, as civic leaders push for reform.
Source
Crain's Chicago Business
Webinar
Community Violence Prevention and Intervention: Insights from the Frontlines
During the webinar, UC Davis researchers discussed a recent paper exploring insights from CVI professionals in Sacramento, Baltimore, and Milwaukee, focusing on the causes of gun violence, challenges faced by CVI specialists, and key recommendations.
Stay Connected
Announcing the 2024 Joyce Awards winners
We’re thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Joyce Awards, marking the 20th anniversary of the foundation’s annual awards program supporting artists of color in the creation of new works with organizational partners across the Great Lakes region.
Learn more about this year's winners