Our mission of Land Conservation and Artistic Vitality for communities in the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina honors the values and legacy of our founders Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley by focusing on a healthy natural environment and artistic expression.

Where We Work


How We Work

No organization creates change on its own. In both land conservation and artistic vitality we partner with many organizations. We are particularly interested in collaborations that recognize the value of diverse groups working together. In these situations we do more than make grants, by organizing our work into initiatives. Within initiatives we commission and share research, using data to best understand the issues. We support coaching to build the strength of organizations. We connect people through convening, encouraging them to work together. We employ strategic communications to help larger audiences better understand challenges and opportunities.


Applying for a grant

If your organization is considering a grant application, please review our Programs section to make sure your proposal is relevant to our mission and regions. While we organize the bulk of our work into initiatives, your proposal need not fit into any particular intiative to be eligible. To learn more, visit the Grants section. We do not have a Letter of Intent (LOI) process. Instead, we encourage you to call us with questions as you shape your proposal.

From the Blog

Across Fence Rows: Farmers Training Farmers in Sustainable Agriculture

Two intensive training initiatives target the farmers who are bringing organic food to the tables of thousands of families. Read More »

Learn More about the Calumet Region from “Chicago Wilderness”

  Did you know there are 24 species of orchids in the dunelands of northwest Indiana, while the state of Hawaii only has 4 species? That’s just one interesting piece... Read More »

Making Connections in Northwest Indiana’s Calumet Region: Remarks by Sir Peter Crane

Sir Peter Crane delivered these comments at Calumet Summit, April 27-28, 2010. Read More »

Recent Tweets

2 Feb
@halcyontony Glad you think so!

2 Feb
Check out our new website: http://t.co/F6oFGhuP We hope you like the changes. Please tell us what you think!

30 Jan
Lake County prairie preserve designated as prized area; brings county's preserved open space total to 17%: http://t.co/GsAPLKs1

30 Jan
Video interview with @ARCGALLERY at the Affordable Art Fair LA: http://t.co/hbkZbg0q