Our 2024 proposal deadlines are Friday, March 29 (Spring Cycle) and Friday, July 26 (Fall Cycle). Applications are not yet 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.

GDDF News

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

Remarks and Reflections of David Farren at the Arts Club of Chicago

Remarks delivered by retiring Executive Director David Farren on December 6, 2023 at a reception honoring his 11 years of service to the Foundation. I’m honored for all of you to be here to mark my retirement. It’s really a celebration of what we’ve done…

Arnold Randall Named Next Executive Director

The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation announces the appointment of Arnold L. Randall as its next Executive Director. Randall currently serves as the General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the nation’s oldest and largest forest preserve system. He is a thoughtful and…

Three people work to install a large outdoor mosaic.

Grantee Perception Report: A New Landscape and New Opportunities

It would be an understatement to say a lot has happened since the last time we did a Grantee Perception Report with the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) in 2017. What hasn’t changed is the Foundation’s commitment to our mission and the inspiring work of…