75 years of investing in the future of the Great Lakes Region.

The Joyce Foundation at 75: Lessons Learned


As Joyce marks its 75th year in 2023, it is taking stock of its accomplishments, occasional setbacks, and ongoing challenges. The Foundation hopes to highlight lessons learned along its three-quarters-of-a-century journey – from a timber heiress’ first charitable giving in post-World War II America, to the role Joyce now plays as a $1 billion philanthropy focused on advancing racial equity and economic mobility for the Great Lakes’ next generations.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUND

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.

LEARN MORE

New Podcast

The Gun Machine, a podcast produced by WBUR and The Trace debuts Oct. 4, 2023. It looks into the history of the relationship between the gun industry and the U.S. government.

LISTEN HERE

Policy Watch

The Latest From Joyce

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