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 USInspiring creativity and cultural stewardship in the next generation and fostering culturally vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities.
Building a more equitable democracy by striving for participation and representation by all people who call the Great Lakes home.
Closing income and race disparities in college and career success through equitable access to high-quality education.
Working to solve the long-term environmental challenges that threaten the next generation in the Great Lakes region.
Building safe and just communities in the Great Lakes Region.
Supporting high-quality journalism projects focused on public policy issues affecting the Great Lakes region.
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
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
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
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 MichiganIn 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
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
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
Ohio’s new clean energy legislation signals an important shift and new momentum for affordability, reliability and independence, and facilitates accountability, potential business opportunities, and strengthens consumer protections.
Wisconsin voters will also be asked to weigh in on a statewide ballot issue in upcoming election.
$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.
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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The Joyce Foundation is pleased to welcome Carole L. Brown to its Board of Directors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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