Field Foundation

We're proud to help support our Journalism & Storytelling grant recipients in overcoming these challenges. And we're especially proud of Chicago News Weekly & Investigative Project on Race & Equity for their impactful work. Check them out! /end

ttps://www.cnwmedia.com/
www.raceandequityproject.org

The discussion covered all aspects of launching a news business start-up — from the process of securing a nonprofit 501c3 designation or fiscal sponsor, to what keeps these news leaders up at night: the constant challenge of diversifying revenue, increasing staff and maintaining sustainability. 4/

Introduced by the Field Foundation's Director of Journalism & Storytelling Maudlyne Ihejirika, and moderated by The Chronicle of Philanthropy's Senior Writer Stephanie Beasley, the panel examined the challenges and rewards of building and maintaining a nonprofit newsroom in today’s industry. 3/

The leaders of these Chicago-based news outlets — Chicago News Weekly's Cheryl Mainor, and Wendy Wei from Investigative Project on Race & Equity — joined Stacy Palmer from @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social and Emily Holden from @floodlightnews.org on a national stage. 2/

A conference panel in progress at the JAWS (Journalism and Women Symposium) Conference. Maudlyne Ihejirika stands at a podium on stage with microphone, introducing the session. The panelists seated from left to right are: Stephanie Beasley, Stacy Palmer, Emily Holden, Wendy Wei, and Cheryl Mainor Norman. The setting is a modern conference room with blue-gray walls and a presentation screen visible in the background.

The "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom" panel at the JAWS Conference in full session. Five participants are seated on stage: from left to right, Stephanie Beasley in a light blue dress, Stacy Palmer in a colorful striped dress, Emily Holden in a yellow top and black pants, Wendy Wei in a floral blouse and polkadot skirt, and Cheryl Mainor Norman in a black dress holding a microphone and speaking. The presentation slide is visible on the left side of the frame, and the backdrop features illuminated white panels with blue accent lighting.

The "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom" panel at the JAWS Conference in full session. Five participants are seated on stage: from left to right, Stephanie Beasley in a light blue dress, Stacy Palmer in a colorful striped dress, Emily Holden in a yellow top and black pants, Wendy Wei in a floral blouse and polkadot skirt holding a microphone and speaking, and Cheryl Mainor Norman in a black dress. The presentation slide is visible on the left side of the frame, and the backdrop features illuminated white panels with blue accent lighting.

Group photo of all six participants standing together after the panel at the JAWS Conference. From left to right: Stephanie Beasley in a denim dress, Stacy Palmer in a colorful striped dress, Emily Holden in a yellow top and black pants, Wendy Wei in a floral blouse and black and white dotted skirt, Cheryl Mainor Norman in a black dress, and Maudlyne Ihejirika in a navy dress. Everyone is smiling and the photo appears to be taken in the same conference room setting.

We were proud to sponsor the "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom," panel at last weekend's @womenjournos.bsky.social JAWS conference in Washington, D.C. The panel featured two grant recipients from Field's Multi-Year Cohort: Chicago News Weekly & Investigative Project & Race and Equity. 1/

We're proud to support #JAWSCAMP2025 @womenjournos.bsky.social, Sept 5-7 in Washington, DC. For all attending, don't miss this panel on "Building a Nonprofit Newsroom," featuring leaders from @floodlightnews.org, Chicago News Weekly, @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social, & @raceandequityproject.org

The Field Foundation team, many in yellow safety vests and white hard hats, poses in front of the Obama Presidential Center construction site. Behind them stands the concrete structure under construction, featuring a distinctive angular tower with textured facade and a construction crane. The modern building rises against a bright blue sky with white clouds, showcasing the progress of this significant cultural institution that will serve Chicago's South Side communities across the city when it opens in summer 2026.

Yesterday, we toured the construction site of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side. We learned about how the 19.3-acre campus will serve Chicago, its communities & residents. We look forward to returning when it opens in 2026. Thx to the @obamafoundation.bsky.social team for hosting us.

Inspired Generosity Inspired Generosity

This event, presented by WF Fund, kicked-off Inspired Generosity's Chicago Showcase at Impact House. WF Fund President Dilnaz Waraich opened and closed the event, encouraging all participants to continue the conversations and use “smiling as a form of generosity.” /end

The challenge in this moment, Maudlyne said, is to use the power of storytelling to humanize:

“Help those who do not look like you to care about those who do not look like them … to relate to, identify with, and understand that we are all one humanity. There is no distinction.” 3/

Maudlyne and guest speakers Tracy Baim (#PressForwardChicago), Rummana Hussain (@chicago.suntimes.com), and Nissa Rhee (@borderlessmag.bsky.social) explored the need to reshape media narratives to ensure accurate, fair, and contextual news coverage of underrepresented communities. 2/

hree women speakers sit at a white panel table with microphones during a discussion. Maudlyne, on the right, wearing a black outfit, is speaking into her microphone while gesturing. Rummana, in the middle, wears a vibrant purple dress. Nissa, on the left, is wearing a dark dress and a jean jacket. The modern conference room has large windows and a presentation screen visible in the background.

Dilnaz is wearing a white and khaki linen outfit with a colorful head wrap. She stands next to a podium, speaking into a microphone. Behind her, the three panelists from the previous image sit at their table listening. A presentation slide is displayed on the screen, and Press Forward Chicago branding is visible on a banner to the left.

Tracy, in a dark blouse and pants, stands next to the podium addressing the audience. The presentation screen shows a slide titled "GUEST SPEAKERS" with four professional headshots. The panelists are seated at a white table, with Field Foundation and Press Forward Chicago branded banners visible to the left.

A close-up view of the presentation screen displaying the panel title "FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: ADVANCING NARRATIVE CHANGE IN COMMUNITY STORIES" along with guest speaker photos and their affiliations: Rummana Hussain (Chicago Sun-Times), Nissa Rhee (Borderless Magazine), Maudlyne Ihejirika (Field Foundation), and Tracy Baim (Press Forward Chicago). The Inspired Generosity logo appears in the bottom right corner.

Yesterday, the Field Foundation’s Director of Journalism & Storytelling, Maudlyne Ihejirika, joined an insightful Inspired Generosity panel, “FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: Advancing Narrative Change in Community Stories.” 1/

Chicago

This event, presented by WF Fund, kicked-off Inspired Generosity's Chicago Showcase. WF Fund President Dilnaz Waraich opened and closed the event, encouraging all participants to continue the conversations and use “smiling as a form of generosity.” /end
inspiredgenerosity.org/showcase/chi...

The challenge in this moment, Maudlyne said, is to use the power of storytelling to humanize:

“Help those who do not look like you to care about those who do not look like them … to relate to, identify with, and understand that we are all one humanity. There is no distinction.” 3/

Maudlyne and guest speakers Tracy Baim (Press Forward Chicago), Rummana Hussain (Chicago Sun-Times), and Nissa Rhee (Borderless Magazine) explored the need to reshape media narratives to ensure accurate, fair, and contextual news coverage of underrepresented communities. 2/

They discussed the intersection of philanthropy, journalism, and Chicago as well as the importance of storytelling in lifting up voices and communities that may not be heard otherwise. Congrats to CWIP on a stellar event. /end

The Field Foundation attended the Chicago Women in Philathropy (CWIP) Annual Meeting yesterday in support of this important organization and our colleague, Maudlyne Ihejirika, who informed and inspired the room in her keynote conversation with CWIP Board Co-Chair Diane Knoepke. 2/

Keynote conversation in progress between Maudlyne Ihejirika (right) and CWIP Board Co-Chair Diane Knoepke (left). The two speakers are seated in comfortable chairs by large windows with a small table between them, engaged in their discussion about the intersection of philanthropy, journalism, and storytelling.

Another angle of the keynote conversation, capturing the intimate setting and engaged dialogue between Maudlyne and Diane as they discuss the importance of storytelling in lifting up voices and communities.

Maudlyne Ihejirika presents as the keynote speaker at the Chicago Women in Philanthropy Annual Meeting. The presentation slide displays her title as "Director of Journalism & Storytelling Program, Field Foundation of Illinois" alongside her professional headshot. Attendees are seated at tables in an elegant venue with exposed brick walls and large windows.

Field Foundation team members pose with colleagues at the CWIP Annual Meeting. The group of seven stands together in professional attire against a backdrop of large windows, celebrating the successful event and Maudlyne's keynote presentation. The photo is framed against a bright green background.

“Storytelling is at the heart of journalism and at the heart of philanthropy … and we need each other. We have to tell our stories … that’s how we move hearts and minds.” — Maudlyne Ihejirika, Director of Journalism & Storytelling, Field Foundation 1/ #journalism #storytelling

Happening next Tuesday! Register for this Inspired Generosity event by Aug 24.

This Inspired Generosity event is presented by the WF Fund.
📍 Impact House - 200 W Madison St, Chicago
⏰ Please register by 8/26: bit.ly/4oQzyZs

#journalism #storytelling #community #powerbuilding #philanthropy #chicago /end

Field Foundation President Daniel O. Ash will join an expert panel, including:
Kalia Abiade, Pillars Fund
Bob Eichinger, The Chicago Community Trust

Learn how authentic narratives drive engagement, build trust, and amplify the voices of communities served. 2/

Professional event flyer with a navy blue background featuring Chicago skyline silhouettes. The Inspired Generosity logo (a circular design with hands and stars) appears at the top left, with "CHICAGO 2025" in gold text on the right. The main headline "GRANTMAKING & STORYTELLING IN THE PHILANTHROPIC SPACE" is displayed in large white and gold text. Below is descriptive text about exploring storytelling as a tool to enhance grantmaking impact. A gold banner showcases three guest speaker headshots: Kalia Abiade (Pillars Fund), Daniel O. Ash (Field Foundation), and Bob Eichinger (The Chicago Community Trust). Event details include the venue (Impact House), date/time (August 28, 2025, 8:30-10:30 AM CT), registration deadline (8/26), and social media information. Sponsor logos for Chicago Community Trust, Pillars Fund, Field Foundation, and WF Fund appear at the bottom.

🎯 GRANTMAKING & STORYTELLING IN THE PHILANTHROPIC SPACE

Join us Thursday, August 28, from 8:30-10:30 AM CT at Impact House for an insightful conversation about how storytelling can be a powerful tool to enhance the impact of grantmaking in the philanthropy sector. 1/

This Inspired Generosity event is presented by the WF Fund.

📍 Impact House - 200 W Madison St, Chicago
⏰ Please register by 8/24: lnkd.in/gbbzc2w9

#journalism #storytelling #community #powerbuilding #philanthropy #chicago /end

The Field Foundation's Director of Journalism & Storytelling, Maudlyne Ihejirika, will be joining a stellar panel, including:
Rummana Hussain, @chicago.suntimes.com
Nissa Rhee, @borderlessmag.bsky.social
Tracy Baim, #PressForwardChicago 2/

Professional event flyer with a navy blue background featuring Chicago skyline silhouettes. The Inspired Generosity logo (a circular design with hands and stars) appears at the top left, with "CHICAGO 2025" in gold text on the right. The main headline "FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: ADVANCING NARRATIVE CHANGE IN COMMUNITY STORIES" is displayed in large white and gold text. Below is descriptive text about the event's focus on underrepresented communities telling their stories in media. A gold banner showcases four guest speaker headshots: Rummana Hussain (Chicago Sun Times), Nissa Rhee (Borderless Magazine), Maudlyne Ihejirika (Field Foundation), and Tracy Baim (Press Forward Chicago). Event details include the venue (Impact House), date/time (August 26, 2025, 9-11 AM CT), registration deadline (8/24), and social media information. Sponsor logos for Press Forward Chicago, Field Foundation, and WF Fund appear at the bottom.

🎯 FROM MARGINS TO MAINSTREAM: Advancing Narrative Change in Community Stories

Join us August 26 from 9-11 AM CT at Impact House for an important conversation about how underrepresented communities are reshaping media narratives to ensure accurate, fair, and contextual news coverage. 1/

Hac Tran — Field Foundation Hac is a Chicago-born urban planner, community development professional, and cultural producer dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy of “Asia on Argyle”—a five-block business district in Chicago...

Haibayo integrates oral history, storytelling, healing & placekeeping to bring people together for authentic cultural experiences.

We're proud to recognize Hac as a leader who is redefining civic leadership & reimagining Chicago's future. fieldfoundation.org/2025-leaders... /end

Hac cofounded “Celebrate Argyle,” a community initiative that shines a spotlight on immigrant-owned restaurants and businesses and connects community to resources. He also cofounded Haibayo, evolving what began as a social hour to a community center. 2/

This is a black and white portrait of Hac wearing glasses and a knit beanie. He is wearing a dark-colored shirt and is positioned in front of some foliage or plants. In the lower right corner, there's a red logo badge that reads "LEADERS FOR A NEW CHICAGO" with a white star, followed by "2025 awardees" in white text. Below that, the name "Hac Tran" appears in large white letters, with "Haibayo" underneath in smaller text.

Meet Hac Tran, a Chicago-born urban planner & community development professional dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy of “Asia on Argyle”—a five-block business district in Chicago. Along with @macfound.org, we celebrate Hac as a 2025 Leaders for a New Chicago awardee. 1/

Nissa Rhee — Field Foundation As a visionary media leader, Nissa transformed Borderless Magazine—a nonprofit and nonpartisan news outlet reimagining immigration journalism—from a blog to a nationally recognized, award-winning news...

We are proud to recognize Nissa as a leader who is redefining civic leadership and reimagining Chicago's future through journalism and storytelling. Learn more about her. bit.ly/4odF08g /end

Throughout her career, Nissa has been driven by the belief that journalists can & must do a better job of serving everyday people. She transformed Borderless from a blog to a nationally recognized, award-winning newsroom, which continues to do the vital work of elevating immigrant voices. 2/

This is a professional headshot of Nissa smiling, photographed against a neutral gray background. She's wearing a dark-colored sleeveless top or dress. The image includes branding elements for an awards program: a red rectangular logo in the bottom right corner featuring a white star and the text "LEADERS FOR A NEW CHICAGO," followed by "2025 awardees" in white text. Below this, the name "Nissa Rhee" appears in large white letters, with "Borderless Magazine" credited underneath in smaller text.

Meet Nissa Rhee, Cofounder & Executive Director of
@borderlessmag.bsky.social, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news outlet reimagining immigration journalism. Along with
@macfound.org, we celebrate Nissa as a 2025 #LeadersForANewChicago awardee. #community #powerbuilding #philanthropy #chicago 1/