WELCOMING IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES TO OUR CITY
The Chicago metropolitan region has long been a gateway for immigrants and refugees from around the world. They enrich the fabric of our city and our communities. The Foundation aims to help Chicago move forward as an exemplary welcoming region and as a global leader on migration. We support organizations that uplift their valuable contributions and assist them in navigating their new lives as they pursue their dreams.
Our interest in migration and immigrant communities stems from Elizabeth Walder’s experience as an immigration attorney. She began her law career traveling to consulates around the world, representing immigrants who had been denied access to the United States. Later, she founded and built her own law practice, representing scientists and performing artists as they navigated new pathways to American citizenship.
Funding opportunities are by invitation only. The Foundation issues specific application invitations and instructions for each grant cycle. The information below is intended to provide a general overview of our grantmaking strategies, eligibility, and timing.
STRATEGIES AND FOCUS AREAS
The Migration and Immigrant Communities program invests in organizations, projects, and in-house initiatives that support the Chicago metropolitan region’s efforts to welcome immigrants and refugees, and to be a global leader on migration. Priorities include strengthening the quality of legal services, cultivating the leadership of migrant diaspora, improving public narratives, and being at the forefront of global dialogue and action.
Strengthen the Quality of Immigration Legal Services
Quality legal representation is a crucial determinant of an individual’s future, and to ensuring fair and efficient processes. The Walder Foundation supports immigration legal aid providers, mentorship and training, and initiatives to expand the pipeline of nonprofit immigration attorneys.
Cultivate Migrant Diaspora Leadership
When immigrants and refugees are at decision-making tables, this helps ensure that diverse communities are represented by leaders who understand their unique backgrounds and needs, and contributes to a more equitable society. The Walder Foundation supports leadership programs that develop high-potential migrant diaspora with the skills, networks, and resources to serve as influential voices in the Chicago region.
Improve Migration Narratives
A welcoming community is in part defined by how the region’s residents understand the complexity of migration, value the local contributions of immigrants and refugees, invest in migrant-serving institutions, and build bridges to promote unity. The Walder Foundation aims to strengthen public narratives in the Chicago region through journalism, research, storytelling and community dialogues.
Catalyze Global Engagement
Migration is a global phenomenon driven by a multitude of forces that transcend borders. Cities are increasingly engaging in global collaborations to share experiences, build knowledge, and leverage their collective action to inform policies at the national and international levels. The Walder Foundation invests in city networks, innovative collaborations, rapid responses, and research to ensure Chicago is at the forefront of global dialogue and action.
GRANTEE STORIES
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Funding opportunities are by invitation only. The Foundation recognizes that there are numerous organizations and projects that provide important services to immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeker communities in the Chicago metropolitan region. The Foundation’s strategic priorities have been identified as underfunded areas where additional resources can be most impactful and align with the founders’ vision. As a learning organization, the Foundation is continuously iterating, adapting, and evolving its approaches and grantmaking criteria.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a registered Section 501(c)(3) organization classified as a Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) public charity, or a project within a fiscal sponsor organization that meets this requirement.
Applicants must be either located in the greater Chicago metropolitan region or whose work will be centered on the communities of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Applicants with a mission that uplifts immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker communities are prioritized.
Additional eligibility requirements will apply to specific funding opportunities and/or strategy areas.
Walder Foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
We do not fund projects or organizations that perpetuate any form of hate, discrimination, or intolerance.
We generally do not fund
Fundraising events
Commercial activities
Political action groups, political campaigns, lobbying activities, or 501(c)4 affiliates
Projects intended to influence legislation, to influence the outcome of any election for public office, to carry on any voter registration drive, or to undertake any activity for a purpose other than charitable, scientific, educational or other purposes specified in Section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Basic social services generally supported by government agencies, including food pantries, housing, health care, and case management
Pre-K—12 education programs and childcare centers
Individuals, freelancers, or consultants
Endowments and capital campaigns
Debt reduction
GRANT CYCLES
Funding opportunities are by invitation only. The Migration and Immigrant Communities program aims to award grants in two grant cycles per year. The Foundation generally provides about 6-8 weeks for application submissions and needs 2-3 months for review and decision making. At times, grant applications require further diligence and grant decision notifications are communicated later than the expected timeframe.
Please know that as Walder Foundation strategies and grant initiatives continue to evolve, applicants should not have any expectations that awarded grants will be renewed beyond the scope of the grant period. Please keep this in mind when planning for the sustainability of the work.
GETTING IN TOUCH
If you are an existing grantee looking to clarify future areas of funding alignment and timing of opportunities, please email your program team member.
If you are new to Walder Foundation and think your work aligns with our strategies and goals, please complete a concept note (one paragraph in length) via this link. If there is project alignment, a staff member will contact you.
For updates about Walder Foundation’s migration and immigrant communities grantmaking, sign up for alerts and select migration and immigrant communities in your interests.