Support the Freedom of the Press – The Fight Goes On
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“You know it when you see it.” A favorite saying of our Executive Director, Richard Logan. That’s how we felt about NY Focus when we met founders Akash Mehta and Lee Harris on a Zoom call a couple years ago. Determined, excited about the possibility of filling a journalistic gap, fearless and maybe just a little crazy – all essential qualities for a young team creating a non-profit journalism outlet from the ground up.
We were so impressed, we decided to take a punt on them and offer them a transformational grant.
Fast forward a couple years. Now, they are taking on lawmakers across New York State, causing havoc, and being profiled in the New York Times.
The NYT article highlights two telling examples of the tangible impact NY Focus has had on policymakers/policy : NY Focus reported on a new prison policy that would block incarcerated people from publishing their work… Just one day later, the prison agency rescinded the policy. And after their disturbing investigation into the severe mishandling of sexual assault allegations against prison guards, the state senate passed a measure to delegate authority over sexual assault allegations to independent outside investigators.
We are so proud to be part of the rise of this unique newsroom investigating power in the Empire State. Great work, NY Focus!
Last month, we were proud to see three partners recognized for their outstanding work in their respective fields.
According to the Rockwood Leadership Institute, The MacArthur Foundation Art of Leadership will bring together 24 leaders from across the nation. These leaders work within grantee organizations in documentary film support, participatory civic media, and investigative reporting. Its purpose is to increase the individual leadership effectiveness of these leaders and provide opportunities for relationship building and collaboration.
On Instagram, Elijah McKinnon of Open TV expressed his gratitude. “Feeling incredibly grateful to be on this journey. I can’t wait to expand my mind while learning, building and sharing alongside a cohort of leaders working to imagine a brave, new world.”
Published and aired in December, the story disclosed a cluster of the incurable lung disease silicosis among fabricators of artificial-stone countertops. Public Health Watch and KPCC won first place in the Press Club’s audio journalism/investigative category for the collaboration. It included a television segment on Univision’s news magazine show Aqui y Ahora.
Overall, congratulations to our three partners: Open TV, American Documentary, and Public Health Watch.
Photo credit: Heather Coit, The News-Gazette
When program staff at the Foundation design grants, we try to find creative and innovative ways to challenge both grantees and other potential funders. We believe that the organizations that we fund should always be looking to diversify revenue streams, whether that be with individual membership drives, new corporate or institutional funders or even endowments. We always ensure that we give challenge matching grants when we feel that organizations have the internal capability to find those additional funds and leverage the opportunity.
Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting (MCIR), also known as Investigate Midwest, is a key example of this. With a secure $100,000 grant for general operating costs ensuring business as usual, and a solid staff and board of directors, we presented them with an opportunity to raise $125,000 in additional funds through one $25,000 and two $50,000 matching grants.
They did not disappoint – finding three new funders guaranteeing matching funds while forging new relationships and ensuring further sustainability of their operations:
MCIR is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Their mission is to serve the public interest by exposing dangerous and costly practices of influential agricultural corporations and institutions through in-depth and data-driven investigative journalism.
Congratulations to MCIR on their achievement.
Author: Crystal Logan
Recently, two of our board members were featured on screen. Jamyle Cannon, founder of The Bloc, speaks as one of the creators in the “TikTok Sparks Good” series. And Patric McCoy, co-founder of Diasporal Rhythms and avid African art collector, talks about his “Take My Picture” project on WGN News.
Jamyle’s TikTok following of almost 120,000 has proven to be instrumental in broadcasting The Bloc’s mission. “What TikTok does better than anyone else,” Jamyle says, “is it puts you in front of the right audience. You get to speak directly to the people who are looking for your message. Kids learn about our program through TikTok and say ‘This is something I want to be a part of.'” In addition, through TikTok he receives wide support from people around the world (as far as New Zealand) through volunteer hours, monetary donations, and spreading awareness.
Working as an environmental scientist in the 1980’s, Patric decided to take on a new hobby. Little did he know, he would briefly become a photojo-historian for Black gay men in Chicago. In WGN’s news story, Patric delves into his experience wearing a camera around his neck and taking a photo of just about anyone who asked. Each of his subjects had agency in their pose and expression, creating a candid representation of gay Black life during the 80’s. Currently, you can see some of his photographs at Wrightwood 659. The exhibition runs through July 15th.
Each of our board members was chosen because of the unique perspective they bring to our Foundation. In addition to supporting us to create radical change through grantmaking, they make their own waves in the community. Congratulations Jamyle and Patric on the much-deserved recognition!
The RDLF team visited the new home of Pilsen Food Pantry (PFP) last week and were excited to see their exciting plans and layout firsthand. PFP purchased the new building at 2124 South Ashland Avenue in March 2023. A complete renovation will allow PFP to significantly expand their mission. The basement will allow community partners a space to meet and provide after school workshops. The first floor includes a welcoming food pantry and clothing closet. The second floor offers a kitchen, additional community space and art exhibits. PFP is also exploring the opportunity to install a green roof and urban garden in 2024.
In their 5 years of operation, Pilsen Food Pantry has served over 90,000 households. They provide food, clothing, books, bikes, school supplies, medical equipment, special holiday distributions, and events. Their new home will allow them to expand their wellness programs in an effort to provide wraparound care.
PFP has a history of stepping up and doing what It takes to best assist their clients. The team responded to COVID immediately and tripled their outputs at a challenging time. And when the recent migrant crisis arose, they recognized their complex social needs and continue to manage support with safety, food, clothing, shelter and healthcare.
RDLF has partnered with PFP for more than three years. In addition to participating in our Fresh Produce Program, supplementing their weekly food distributions with hyper-fresh culturally-relevant fruits and vegetables, we have supported them by also providing school supplies and winter weather clothing and gear for folks in need.
We congratulate PFP on this impressive project and we look forward to the official launch of their new home this summer. If you’d like to stay up to date on their progress, follow them on Instagram!
Each of the 10 Leaders picked this year will receive a $25,000 unrestricted award. In addition, their affiliated organization will receive a $25,000 general operating grant.
“Carlos Flores is an installation artist, radical community arts organizer, curator, and flower farmer based in the Archer Heights neighborhood of Chicago. Both his visual practice and organizing work center around creating space for connection, generation, and care to take place. At Chicago Art Department (CAD), he leads the organization’s residencies and exhibitions, supporting twenty civically-minded artists and over 100 free exhibitions and programs annually. CAD residents are activists, educators, and community leaders of their own.”
Carlos leverages collaboration to engage broad audiences in critical dialogue to reimagine places of power and systematic erasure, cultivating cross-cultural healing between BIPOC communities.”
For over five years, the Reva and David Logan Foundation have contributed to artist residencies, civic programs, and capacity-building. By all means, the attention and care CAD provides for their artists is unparalleled. They excel in engaging not only the artistic community but the local Pilsen community as well. We have no doubt that CAD will continue to inspire positive and radical change across the city of Chicago. This summer, check out some of their inspiring exhibitions and workshops. Details are on their website.
Joel Hall and Dr. Christopher Balthazar receiving their award from Dr. Keith Green, Executive Director of Chicago Black Gay Mens’ Caucus.
The Reva and David Logan Foundation extends a warm congratulations to two of our partners: Joel Hall Dancers & Center and Taskforce. During “A Spring Fling,” the Chicago Black Gay Mens’ Caucus inducted our partners’ leadership into the Chicago Black Gay Hall of Fame.
Joel Hall is the Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of Joel Hall Dancers & Center. Since 1974, they have championed the artistry of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ performers. They actively pursue opportunities to dismantle oppressive systems, amplify oppressed voices, and cultivate a better world for all. With our support, they are currently in development of their new space THE HALL. The building is located in Albany Park and is dedicated to the creation, performance, and instruction of Chicago’s dance artists.
Dr. Christopher (Chris) Balthazar is the Executive Director of TaskForce Prevention & Community Services. Since 1990, TaskForce is committed to addressing the HIV/STI-related needs of adolescents and young adults living in systemically disenfranchised communities. They provide HIV/STI prevention education, testing, treatment, and care services. They serve hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth each year on Chicago’s West Side. In addition to his induction into the Chicago Black Gay Hall of Fame, Chris also received the Sidney Thomas Health Advocacy Award.
We are proud to partner with organizations and individuals who are being recognized for making positive change in their communities. Congratulations to our partners Joel and Chris!
