April 2025 — Moving the Needle // Woods Fund Chicago

In this moment of major chaos and uncertainty in the United States, one thing is abundantly clear: philanthropy can play a key role in supporting the stability, resilience, and reimagination of our social sector.

Woods Fund Chicago is proud to join the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, alongside National Center for Family Philanthropy and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, in promoting a coordinated call-to-action for philanthropy at a time of heightened urgency.

The commitment invites funders to work together to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money in trust-based ways, and nurture possibility and innovation. It offers a set of concrete actions that reinforce core principles of trust-based philanthropy, including an emphasis on relationships of mutuality and unburdening nonprofits’ access to financial resources. It also invites grantmaking organizations to publicly sign on to express their commitment to “do everything in their range of influence” to extend trust-based support to nonprofits at a time of heightened urgency.

Woods Fund Chicago’s commitment to trust-based support is unwavering regardless of who holds public office. The conditions our grantee partners address — across issues including but not limited to racial justice, economic justice, immigration, labor, incarceration and policing, education, environmental justice, gender and LGBTQ+ rights, health and disability rights, and so much more — have long existed in the United States and aren’t restricted to party-lines or a single bad actor. That is why our grantee partners’ work is essential, and why Woods Fund Chicago is increasing our payout and providing multi-year, general operating support to invest in the sustainability of these organizations.

The flagrant aggression of these attacks is designed to destabilize movements past the point of repair. In times of uncertainty and unpredictability, we are conditioned to be risk-averse, but if we believe in our grantee partners, support their missions, and root for their stability, we must meet the moment now with bold, committed investment. If we don’t, this may be a moment we can’t come back from.

Funders, we invite you to review the call-to-action, sign the commitment, and join the growing community of funders taking courageous, trust-based action in support of our nonprofit partners — without whom our work would not be possible.

Explore recent resources and op-eds from the philanthropic sector:

In addition to holding firm our commitments, Woods Fund Chicago continues to connect with peers and look to resources on how to best support our partners through current and future attacks.

Inside Philanthropy
10,000 Job Cuts in 70 Days. Introducing the Nonprofit Layoff Tracker

Nonprofit Quarterly
In This Time of Crisis, Social Justice Philanthropy Must Change Its Tune

The Center for Effective Philanthropy
How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders are Experiencing the Political Context — and What They Need From Their Funders

The final deadline to apply for Woods Fund Chicago’s 2025 grantmaking cycle is Wednesday, April 30. Returning grantee partners have received the application link via email. Questions or trouble accessing the link? Reach out to the Director of Grants Management and Assistant Corporate Secretary Deborah Clark at dclark@woodsfund.org.

Please note: The new applicant deadline has passed and this application window is for returning grantee partners only.

Learn more about our grants, what we're looking for, and how to apply at woodsfund.org/our-grants.

In the Face of Overwhelm

Why We’re Reading It: While many resources we’re reading and sharing provide practical guidelines for navigating this current moment, it is equally important that we fortify our emotional and mental resources as well. Asha Ransby-Sporn, Chicago organizer, writer, and co-founder of WFC grantee partner BYP100, pens a powerful call-to-action that speaks out against despair and division, reminding us that though the urgency may feel overwhelming, we must rise to the occasion by resisting doom and maintaining our belief that change is truly possible.

In These Times // Read now

US House panel drops inquiry into Northwestern’s law school clinics

Why We’re Reading It: A lawsuit filed by Northwestern University law professors against the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce alleged that the Committee’s investigation into the Pritzker School of Law’s Bluhm Legal Clinic violated constitutional free speech rights, spurring the Committee to withdraw its investigation. Law professor Lynn Cohn told The Guardian: “Uniting to support the fundamental rights of all people can still be done even in these turbulent times. We hope others will join this effort – this legal challenge is far from over.” The Bluhm Legal Clinic features several clinics and centers, including the Children and Family Justice Center — a WFC grantee partner.

The Guardian // Read now

Fear spreads among Muslim Americans as Trump travel ban looms

Why We’re Reading It: Chicago advocacy groups and WFC grantee partners including Arab American Action Network (AAAN) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago recently rallied to speak out against impending travel bans and ongoing attacks against Muslim Americans and immigrant communities. Nadiah Alyafi, a youth organizer with AAAN, was featured in USA Today’s coverage of the proposed travel restrictions, expressing fears over how these policies will impact her family.

USA Today // Read now