Our 2024 proposal deadlines are Friday, March 29 (Spring Cycle) and Friday, July 26 (Fall Cycle). Applications for the Spring Cycle are now open.

Supporting land conservation, artistic vitality, and regional collections for the people of the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

We seek to sustain and build resilient, vital, engaged, and equitable communities in our two regions by supporting conservation, arts, and collecting organizations.

More about how we work.

GDDF News

Explore recent news and stories from the Foundation, grantees, and partners. 

Getting to Know… Collections & Broadening Narratives

Discover more about our Collections program and Broadening Narratives strategy. Photo: Student researchers at Claflin University work with a collection of photos from the collection of civil rights photographer Cecil Williams. Our 5 Questions Getting to Know Series asks our program officers to provide an…

Cash Reserve Grants Support Chicago Small Arts Stability and Sustainability

Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation expands commitment to Chicago’s small arts organizations by offering grants to establish or expand critical cash reserves, increasing the sector’s financial stability and sustainability   Foundation has provided $550,000 in cash reserves funding to 27 small arts organizations in the…

Getting to Know… Chicago Land Conservation

Discover more about our Chicago Land Conservation program and how we support natural and working lands protection. Photo: Midewin Tallgrass Prairie is home to the largest prairie restoration project east of the Mississippi. Our 5 Questions Getting to Know Series asks our program officers to…

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