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    5. Joyce Foundation
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    Joyce Foundation

    ActivePhilanthropy & Voluntarism
    Chicago, ILWebsite3127822464

    About Joyce Foundation

    The Joyce Foundation is a private, nonpartisan philanthropy that invests in public policies and strategies to advance racial equity and economic mobility for the next generation in the Great Lakes region.

    Focus Areas

    Arts & CultureVoting rights & electionsRedistricting & census data accuracyEducation policy / Postsecondary successClimate & Great Lakes / Drinking waterGun violence prevention & justice reformJournalism / Local & public-policy reporting

    Who They Fund

    students and learners (education-focused populations)low-income or economically disadvantaged individuals/communitiescommunities affected by gun violencejustice-involved individuals and populations impacted by the criminal legal system

    About Joyce Foundation

    A defining feature of The Joyce Foundation’s recent grantmaking is its repeated support for Chicago Public Media and the Chicago Sun-Times, including $1,000,000 grants in 2023, 2024, and 2025. That pattern sits alongside a broader portfolio built around public policy, research, and institutional support in the Great Lakes region. The foundation funds education and economic mobility, journalism, democracy, gun violence prevention and justice reform, environment, and arts and culture, often through mission fund support and program-specific grants. Its recent awards show both scale and consistency. Joyce has made large commitments to policy and media organizations such as Urban Institute, Protect Democracy Project, and Civic News Company, while also backing Chicago-based groups including IFF, Advance Illinois, Elevate Energy, and Project Unloaded. The foundation’s work connects policy analysis, advocacy, implementation, and local reporting with regional issues that affect students, communities, and public institutions. Across its portfolio, the emphasis is on strengthening systems rather than short-term service delivery.

    What Joyce Foundation Funds

    In education and economic mobility, The Joyce Foundation has backed policy and research organizations with sizable grants, including $935,000 to Education First Consulting LLC for education and economic mobility and $600,000 to The Aspen Institute Inc for the same area. It also gave $485,000 to The Institute for College Access and Success Inc. In journalism, the foundation supports independent local and public-interest reporting. Recent grants include $525,000 to Civic News Company and $500,000 to Crain's Chicago Business, reflecting support for news organizations tied to the Great Lakes region and Chicago. Its environment portfolio includes policy and energy work as well as conservation. Recent grants include $600,000 to Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy & Utilities, $576,000 to National Parks Conservation Association, and $500,000 to Elevate Energy. In gun violence prevention and justice reform, it awarded $472,440 to Project Unloaded Inc.

    How Joyce Foundation Gives

    The Joyce Foundation’s typical grant size is $50,000 at the 25th percentile, $100,000 at the median, and $150,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent awards also include several six- and seven-figure grants, indicating a mix of mid-sized program grants and larger mission-fund commitments. The foundation is a regular funder and operates as a DAF classification regular funder. Its recent grant record shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Chicago Public Media and IFF, which points to recurring relationships rather than one-off gifts. It funds organizations, not individuals, and it does not make program-related investments. Some programs accept unsolicited applications, while others, such as the Joyce Awards and the Lend a Hand Fund, do not.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $49.9M

    Total Assets

    $1.3B

    Total Revenue

    $85.8M

    Total Expenses

    $67.3M

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $50K and $150K, with a median of $100K.

    25th Percentile

    $50K

    Median

    $100K

    75th Percentile

    $150K

    Geographic Reach

    National31 states funded
    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

    Leadership

    Julia Morita

    President/Director (As of 10/1/24)

    Funding intensity
    Low
    High

    Where Joyce Foundation Funds

    Top 2 recipient countries by grant volume for Joyce Foundation.

    RankCountryGrantsTotalShare
    1United StatesDomestic1,433$164.5M
    99.9%
    2Canada2

    Deep Analysis

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    © 2026 Kindora. All rights reserved.

    Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceYour privacy choicesEnvironmental footprintSystem Status
    EIN (Tax ID): 36-6079185Latest Form 990: 2025Total assets: $1.3B3 filings on recordFind their full 990 filing →
    See If You're a Fit — FreeFree account · instant fit score · similar funders
    communities and ecosystems affected by environmental challenges

    Funding Style

    mission-driven general supportmulti-issue/thematic program fundingsector-specific program grantsflexible/mission fund pool

    Topics

    education & economic mobilityenvironment (conservation & climate-related work)gun violence preventionjustice reform

    Where Joyce Foundation Makes Grants

    Grantmaking is national, but the strongest concentration is in Illinois, which accounts for 37% of grants to recipients in the HQ state. Chicago appears frequently among recent recipients, including Chicago Public Media, IFF, Advance Illinois, Elevate Energy, Project Unloaded Inc, and Crain's Chicago Business. Beyond Illinois, recent grants also went to organizations in Washington, DC, New York, Minneapolis, Seattle, Oakland, and St Paul. Recipient-country data is overwhelmingly U.S.-based, with only 2 grants to Canada.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Joyce Foundation

    What are The Joyce Foundation’s main focus areas?

    The foundation supports arts and culture, voting rights and elections, redistricting and census data accuracy, education policy and postsecondary success, climate and Great Lakes drinking water, gun violence prevention and justice reform, and journalism. Its program descriptions emphasize policy, research, advocacy, implementation, and support for local and community institutions.

    How large are The Joyce Foundation’s grants?

    Its typical grant size is $50,000 at the 25th percentile, $100,000 at the median, and $150,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent awards also include larger commitments, such as $1,000,000 grants and other six-figure awards.

    Does The Joyce Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

    Some programs do. The Education & Economic Mobility Program, Culture Program, Journalism Program, Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Program, Democracy Program, College & Career Readiness, and Creative Organizations & Creative Individuals all accept unsolicited applications, while the Joyce Awards and Lend a Hand Fund do not.

    Where does The Joyce Foundation give most often?

    Its grantmaking is national, but Illinois is the top state by grant count, with 37% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Chicago is a frequent recipient city across several program areas, including media, education, arts, environment, and gun violence prevention.

    Does The Joyce Foundation support recurring grantees?

    Yes. The recent grants list shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Chicago Public Media and IFF, both of which received grants in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

    Accepts unsolicited proposals
    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    $1K
    0.1%

    Recipient country reflects the grantee's headquarters per IRS 990-PF and Schedule F filings, not the program's implementation country.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Joyce Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open nowCloses Dec 1, 2026Award: $5K – $745K

    Environment Program

    Climate solutionsCarbon-free electricityEnergy efficiency+10 more

    Who can apply: Supports policy research, development, coalition building, communications, advocacy, implementation, enforcement, and evaluation aligned with the Climate Solutions or Great Lakes & Drinking Water strategies. Prioritizes Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin work; new applicants in Great Lakes and Drinking Water are particularly prioritized when led by people of color. Physical infrastructure, environmental education, local cleanup, basic scientific research, and general operating support for environmental justice organizations are generally not funded.

    Deadline: Grant inquiries are accepted online throughout the year. 2026 proposal deadline: December 1, 2026, with decisions in April 2027; other recurring deadlines are April 1 and August 3.

    View & apply
    Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: $25K – $250K

    Democracy Program

    Voting rights and electionsElection administrationFair representation+4 more

    Who can apply: Supports projects aligned with voting rights and elections, fair representation, or census data accuracy in the Great Lakes region or national projects affecting those states. General operating requests may be considered case by case. Joyce does not fund lobbying.

    Deadline: Grant inquiries are accepted online throughout the year. 2026 proposal deadline: December 1, 2026, with decisions in April 2027; other recurring deadlines are April 1 and August 3.

    View & apply
    Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: $25K – $700K

    Journalism Program

    Investigative journalismNonprofit journalismLocal and community news+4 more

    Who can apply: Supports mostly nonprofit journalism organizations and projects producing high-quality, investigative or issue-focused coverage related to Joyce program areas in the Great Lakes region. Limited general operating support may be available; documentary filmmaking and general journalism education for students are not supported.

    Deadline: Grant inquiries are accepted online throughout the year. 2026 proposal deadline: December 1, 2026, with decisions in April 2027; other recurring deadlines are April 1 and August 3.

    View & apply
    Open nowCloses Dec 1, 2026

    Creative Organizations & Creative Individuals (Culture)

    Arts & CultureOrganizational sustainabilityArtist fellowships+2 more

    Who can apply: Organizations that present robust professional seasons, pursue strategic organizational growth, are grounded in voices of historically underrepresented artists and communities; individual artists (particularly early and mid-career artists from underrepresented communities) for fellowships/residencies/awards. Specific eligibility details not provided on scraped pages.

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    Chicago Public Media - Chicago Sun-TimesChicago, IL$1,000,0002025MISSION FUND
    Education First Consulting LLCSeattle, WA$935,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    IFFChicago, IL$625,0002025MISSION FUND
    The Aspen Institute IncWashington, DC$600,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy & UtilitiesSt Paul, MN$600,0002025MISSION FUND
    National Parks Conservation AssociationWashington, DC$576,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Civic News CompanyNew York, NY$525,0002025JOURNALISM
    Crain's Chicago BusinessChicago, IL$500,0002025JOURNALISM
    Amalgamated Charitable Foundation Inc - Families and Workers FundWashington, DC$500,0002025MISSION FUND
    Elevate EnergyChicago, IL$500,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    The Institute for College Access and Success IncOakland, CA$485,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Project Unloaded IncChicago, IL$472,4402025GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM
    National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships IncChapel Hill, NC$400,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Chicago Public Education FundChicago, IL$400,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Clean Wisconsin IncMadison, WI$385,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Midwest Energy Efficiency AllianceChicago, IL$383,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Fines and Fees Justice Center IncNew York, NY$378,0002025MISSION FUND
    University of Illinois - Discovery Partners InstituteChicago, IL$373,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Advance IllinoisChicago, IL$355,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Trace Media IncBrooklyn, NY$354,0002025JOURNALISM
    The Education TrustWashington, DC$350,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Common Cause Education FundWashington, DC$350,0002025DEMOCRACY
    Faith in PlaceChicago, IL$350,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Natural Resources Defense Council IncNew York, NY$325,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    University of Chicago - Consortium on Chicago School ResearchChicago, IL$325,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education FundAnn Arbor, MI$300,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Ed AlliesMinneapolis, MN$300,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    WCIJ IncMadison, WI$300,0002025JOURNALISM
    Chicago Public Media IncChicago, IL$300,0002025JOURNALISM
    Policy Innovators in Education Network IncMinneapolis, MN$287,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    State Higher Education Executive Officers AssociationBoulder, CO$285,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Latino Policy ForumChicago, IL$282,5002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Johns Hopkins University - Center for Gun Violence SolutionsBaltimore, MD$275,0002025GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM
    National Council on Teacher QualityWashington, DC$275,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Teach Plus IncorporatedBoston, MA$275,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Great Plains Institute for Sustainable DevelopmentMinneapolis, MN$275,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    UnidosUSWashington, DC$275,0002025EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY
    Michigan Environmental CouncilLansing, MI$260,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Northwestern University - Ctr for Neighborhood Engaged Research & ScienceEvanston, IL$251,6142025GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM
    Impact for Equity IncChicago, IL$250,0002025GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM
    William J Brennan Jr Center for Justice IncNew York, NY$250,0002025DEMOCRACY
    Metropolitan Planning CouncilChicago, IL$250,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Fair Elections CenterWashington, DC$250,0002025DEMOCRACY
    Environmental Defense Fund IncWashington, DC$250,0002025ENVIRONMENT
    Civic Consulting AllianceChicago, IL$250,0002025MISSION FUND
    Poynter Institute for Media Studies IncSt Petersburg, FL$250,0002025JOURNALISM
    NEO Philanthropy Inc - State Infrastructure FundNew York, NY$250,0002025DEMOCRACY
    National Public Radio IncWashington, DC$250,0002025JOURNALISM
    Protect Democracy ProjectWashington, DC$250,0002025DEMOCRACY
    Chicago VotesChicago, IL$250,0002025DEMOCRACY

    Chicago Public Media - Chicago Sun-Times

    $1,000,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    MISSION FUND

    Education First Consulting LLC

    $935,000
    Seattle, WA2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    IFF

    $625,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    MISSION FUND

    The Aspen Institute Inc

    $600,000
    Washington, DC2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy & Utilities

    $600,000
    St Paul, MN2025

    MISSION FUND

    National Parks Conservation Association

    $576,000
    Washington, DC2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Civic News Company

    $525,000
    New York, NY2025

    JOURNALISM

    Crain's Chicago Business

    $500,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    JOURNALISM

    Amalgamated Charitable Foundation Inc - Families and Workers Fund

    $500,000
    Washington, DC2025

    MISSION FUND

    Elevate Energy

    $500,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    The Institute for College Access and Success Inc

    $485,000
    Oakland, CA2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Project Unloaded Inc

    $472,440
    Chicago, IL2025

    GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM

    National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships Inc

    $400,000
    Chapel Hill, NC2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Chicago Public Education Fund

    $400,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Clean Wisconsin Inc

    $385,000
    Madison, WI2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

    $383,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Fines and Fees Justice Center Inc

    $378,000
    New York, NY2025

    MISSION FUND

    University of Illinois - Discovery Partners Institute

    $373,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Advance Illinois

    $355,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Trace Media Inc

    $354,000
    Brooklyn, NY2025

    JOURNALISM

    The Education Trust

    $350,000
    Washington, DC2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Common Cause Education Fund

    $350,000
    Washington, DC2025

    DEMOCRACY

    Faith in Place

    $350,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Natural Resources Defense Council Inc

    $325,000
    New York, NY2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    University of Chicago - Consortium on Chicago School Research

    $325,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

    $300,000
    Ann Arbor, MI2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Ed Allies

    $300,000
    Minneapolis, MN2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    WCIJ Inc

    $300,000
    Madison, WI2025

    JOURNALISM

    Chicago Public Media Inc

    $300,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    JOURNALISM

    Policy Innovators in Education Network Inc

    $287,000
    Minneapolis, MN2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    State Higher Education Executive Officers Association

    $285,000
    Boulder, CO2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Latino Policy Forum

    $282,500
    Chicago, IL2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Johns Hopkins University - Center for Gun Violence Solutions

    $275,000
    Baltimore, MD2025

    GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM

    National Council on Teacher Quality

    $275,000
    Washington, DC2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Teach Plus Incorporated

    $275,000
    Boston, MA2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Great Plains Institute for Sustainable Development

    $275,000
    Minneapolis, MN2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    UnidosUS

    $275,000
    Washington, DC2025

    EDUCATION & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

    Michigan Environmental Council

    $260,000
    Lansing, MI2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Northwestern University - Ctr for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science

    $251,614
    Evanston, IL2025

    GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM

    Impact for Equity Inc

    $250,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION & JUSTICE REFORM

    William J Brennan Jr Center for Justice Inc

    $250,000
    New York, NY2025

    DEMOCRACY

    Metropolitan Planning Council

    $250,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Fair Elections Center

    $250,000
    Washington, DC2025

    DEMOCRACY

    Environmental Defense Fund Inc

    $250,000
    Washington, DC2025

    ENVIRONMENT

    Civic Consulting Alliance

    $250,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    MISSION FUND

    Poynter Institute for Media Studies Inc

    $250,000
    St Petersburg, FL2025

    JOURNALISM

    NEO Philanthropy Inc - State Infrastructure Fund

    $250,000
    New York, NY2025

    DEMOCRACY

    National Public Radio Inc

    $250,000
    Washington, DC2025

    JOURNALISM

    Protect Democracy Project

    $250,000
    Washington, DC2025

    DEMOCRACY

    Chicago Votes

    $250,000
    Chicago, IL2025

    DEMOCRACY