Artwork by: Beatriz Ponce de León (2025)
Lighting the Way
A philanthropic guide to supporting migration for a welcoming Chicago
ABOUT THE GUIDE
The guide serves as a resource to engage donors in a learning journey regarding the many strategic and impactful ways to support migration for a welcoming Chicago. It outlines a series of approaches to build the immigration field, integrate immigrant-focused strategies into existing issue-based portfolios, and invest in intermediaries. Whether philanthropists have been supporting these communities and issues for many years, or are at the beginning of exploring possibilities, this guide aims to be a springboard for deeper learning, discussion, grantmaking, and support. Every funder has a role in making Chicago a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Greater Chicago has long been a welcoming region where migrant diaspora from around the country and the world settle into their new lives in pursuit of their dreams. One in five people in Greater Chicago is an immigrant. The region’s history is a tapestry of multiracial, multiethnic, and interfaith experiences of migration. So is its future.
In this global era, Chicagoland is at the intersection of a multitude of dynamic forces of climate change, conflict, and forced migration that are driving many populations out of their homes in search of safety and stability. This will only increase in the years ahead. Furthermore, the metro region’s distinguished universities, diversified economy, and rich cultural treasures also attract people from around the globe. With its longtime commitment to dignity for migrants and newcomers of all experiences and backgrounds, Chicago serves as a destination of both refuge and opportunity. And it does this as it continues to address historical struggles and inequities, balancing responses and bridging efforts across different sectors and communities.
Against this backdrop, numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the region are tirelessly addressing a broad range of issues to overcome barriers, promote stability, navigate uncertainties, and open the doors of opportunity. These organizations serve long-standing immigrant communities, resettle international refugees, welcome new migrant arrivals, advance social cohesion, and advocate for improved immigration policies and programs at the local, state, and national levels. The work of migration policy and immigrant integration is highly complex, deeply divisive, intersectional, and ever-changing. These organizations cannot do this vital work without dedicated and reliable support. Philanthropic organizations and donors are essential to ensuring Chicago’s institutions and communities come out stronger and more resilient to the inevitable forces that define its future in a globalized world.
ENTRY POINTS FOR MIGRATION AND PHILANTHROPY
A CALL TO ACTION
The Chicago region is at a pivotal moment in its history. As a long-standing gateway for migration, the area is quickly responding and adapting, equipping institutions to best serve Chicagoland communities—both longtime residents and new arrivals.
There are many creative and impactful ways to support immigrant and refugee communities, and they are all interdependent and under-resourced. Each field has layers of challenges to overcome and opportunities to make a difference. Philanthropy must play an intentional role to help ensure that the region’s legacy as a place of welcome is also its future. Through collaboration, commitment, and philanthropic support, Chicago can remain a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.