One of my favorite moments from the National Justice Convening was announcing Chicago Beyond’s newest investments: -$500K to Willette Benford's Women’s Dignity of Choice -$300K to The Marshall Project -$100K to Keiki O Ka 'Aina Change is happening, and these partners are leading it.

I had the privilege of joining Mika Brzezinski and @knowyourvalue.bsky.social at this year’s Forbes 50 Over 50 event. What an incredible celebration of women who are using their platforms and power to drive change. 📸: Taylor Dieng

Feeling incredibly thankful this season, especially for everyone who joined us at Chicago Beyond’s 2nd annual National Justice Convening. Your courage a commitment remind me what’s possible when we come together in pursuit of something greater.

When people come together across systems, across states, and across lived experiences with a shared commitment to bettering communities, real transformation becomes possible. Chicago Beyond’s National Justice Convening starts… NOW!

In just 7 days, Chicago Beyond will welcome leaders from across the country to our 2nd annual National Justice Convening. I can’t wait to be in community with so many changemakers committed to advancing safety within America’s jails and prisons.

Honored to join the City Club of Chicago to discuss how we measure impact in the nonprofit sector. At Chicago Beyond, we’ve explored this topic deeply in our publication, “Why Am I Always Being Researched?” Download here: chicagobeyond.org/insights/phi...

September was an absolute whirlwind for Chicago Beyond! Last week we attended Clinton Global Initiative 2025 and left inspired by the commitments shared, solutions exchanged, and the collective belief that change is possible.

More exciting news from Chicago Beyond! Meet our newest multi-year investment partners who will each receive $1 million to aid their efforts in transforming maternal healthcare: - Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services - Jamaa Birth Village - Kindred Space LA

Last week I had the privilege of joining an important conversation on the state of maternal health alongside leaders who are committed to change. Grateful to @govpritzker.illinois.gov, Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton, Mika Brzezinski, and Tatyana Ali for uplifting this urgent work.

The Black maternal health crisis took center stage at Chicago Beyond this week. @mika-brzezinski.bsky.social, @govpritzker.illinois.gov, @ltgovstratton.illinois.gov , @lizdozier.bsky.social& Tatyana Ali joined forces to demand action and birth equity. on.msnbc.com/3W6u3Zh

Black women in America are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. TOMORROW on @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social, @lizdozier.bsky.social will discuss this week’s Chicago Beyond conversation on the Black maternal health crisis and the path toward birth equality. Tune in!

Chicago Beyond is not just another philanthropic organization. It’s a place where voices, experiences, and expertise converge to build a future defined by equity and opportunity across the U.S.

Through unrestricted funding, Chicago Beyond’s Fellowship for Black Maternal Health supports leaders who are driving transformative change in maternal healthcare. chicagobeyond.org/initiatives/...

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. We see what we expect to see. But when we shift our lens—when we change what we’re looking for—we open the door to transformation. That’s where the real work begins.

Chicago Beyond’s 2nd annual National Justice Convening happening this Oct 29-30 in Chicago! We’re gathering people committed to transforming safety in jails and prisons. Want in? Head to: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

Change isn’t quick or easy, nor does it happen overnight. When you’re working to change systems, you have to be in it for the long haul. It’s hard, messy, and it takes A LOT of time. BUT, if we want to see transformation, we have to stick with it.

Our National Justice Convening returns this October—rooted in our Holistic Safety Framework and the belief that safety in our correctional systems starts with wellness and humanity. Interested in attending? Head to: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

A question for my fellow funders and leaders in philanthropy: What’s one way your organization is challenging traditional power structures in funding?

So, what does Chicago Beyond look for when selecting our multi-year investment partners? (a thread) 👇🏽

It’s Father’s Day and I can’t help but think about how my dad has inspired Chicago Beyond’s justice work and initiatives like the Holistic Safety Framework. His story is a daily reminder that regardless of our role in this world, we each hold the power to spark change.

Chicago Beyond’s Holistic Safety Framework is grounded in 5 key principles: Connectedness, Health, Personal Agency, Trust, and Value. This is how we help give people the tools they need to be well. Download the full report: chicagobeyond.org/insights/jus...

Last week we welcomed our Fellows for Black Maternal Health to Chicago for a few days of connecting, sharing, and laying the foundation for the next 3 years. Tap here to learn more about the Fellowship for Black Maternal Health and meet our fellows: chicagobeyond.org/initiatives/...

Community leaders have always shown us the way forward. Chicago Beyond’s Rapid Response Fund quickly delivers unrestricted grants to hyperlocal organizations and individuals with solutions for their own communities. Learn more: chicagobeyond.org/investments/...

Chicago Beyond’s “Do I Have the Right To Feel Safe?” report outlines conditions for all community members (both inside and outside of correctional walls) to feel, and actually be, safe. Download here: chicagobeyond.org/insights/jus...

Real philanthropy means shifting funds AND power. Chicago Beyond funds people closest to the issues and gives them the room and the resources they need to lead. That’s one way philanthropy can contribute to changing systems. Learn more about our philanthropy work at chicagobeyond.org/investments/.

Shoutout to the Governor of Maryland and the recent passage of the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 and the Maryland Second Look Act. This marks a significant step toward a more equitable justice system. 🔗 afro.com/maryland-bil...

What if safety in our correctional system could mean more than just the absence of harm? Tap here to learn more about Chicago Beyond’s Holistic Safety Framework and how it looks in action: chicagobeyond.org/initiatives/...

9 years of showing up, investing in community leaders, and never letting up on our mission. I’m proud of everything we’ve built at Chicago Beyond and even more excited for all that lies ahead. 👏🏽

“Your place of delivery makes a difference in your outcomes. What you have access to, the quality of the physicians, the quality of the resources.” -Dr. Amutah-Onukagha, Founder of Tufts’ Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/...

More of this in 2025 👏🏽 Here’s a must-read article for this week: www.blackenterprise.com/dads-to-doul...

Chicago Beyond’s very own Leader in Residence, Jeanine Valrie Logan, said it best, “This is what it looks like to bet on us—to give us rest, resources, and room to lead.” Learn more about some of the maternal health advocates who are making waves 👇🏽 www.essence.com/news/state-o...

Reducing trauma in correctional facilities can save lives. Embracing Holistic Safety is essential. Check out this article on the importance of physical and mental safety in correctional systems and what Chicago Beyond is doing to help: www.governing.com/policy/whats...

Meet our 2025 Fellows for Black Maternal Health! Over the course of three years, each of these leaders will receive $500K in funding from Chicago Beyond, along with curated programming to connect Fellows and further support their leadership. Help us show them some love!

It’s almost #BlackMaternalHealthWeek so it’s the perfect time to announce Chicago Beyond’s Fellowship for Black Maternal Health and our $2 million commitment to accelerate the impact of leaders driving change in Black maternal healthcare. To learn more, head to: chicagobeyond.org/initiatives/...

In just ONE DAY, Chicago Beyond is announcing our 2025 Fellows for Black Maternal Health. Stay tuned!

At Chicago Beyond, we believe safety is about people, not just policies. Thomas Schoolcraft has been instrumental in the development of our Holistic Safety Framework. “The entrenched ‘us versus them’ mentality is an impediment, not an asset.” 🔗 www.corrections1.com/re-entry-and...

Willette Benford (also a member of Chicago Beyond's Justice Advisory Council), is working with Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker to support women returning home after incarceration. Here’s a must-read article for this week: www.cbsnews.com/news/former-...

The first day of Spring reminds me that even after the longest Winters, growth is on the horizon. Stay tuned for some exciting Chicago Beyond news around maternal health coming oh so soon! Here’s to a season of renewed energy and plans coming to fruition.

It’s time to rethink justice and prioritize humanity. Holistic Safety is needed now more than ever. www.theguardian.com/news/2025/fe...

“If you want to ensure that America is great, you cannot do that without ensuring that every single mother in this country has a safe, dignified birthing experience.” - Charles Johnson, Founder of 4Kira4Moms, Inc. Here’s a must-read article for this week: www.latimes.com/california/s...

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” -Michelle Obama It’s #InternationalWomensDay and I can’t help but think about and celebrate the incredible women who have blazed the trail before me, who walk alongside me, and who are coming up after me. I see you and I appreciate you.

ICYMI, a new bill that was signed into law by Michigan Governor @biggretchenwhitmer.bsky.social will expand access to essential and potentially life-saving healthcare for mothers. Thank you, Michigan, for prioritizing safe maternal healthcare. heartlandsignal.com/2025/01/27/n...

Wishing you nothing but the best, Jadine — thank you for everything! www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025...

After spending DECADES in prison for a crime they didn’t commit,Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne are coming home thanks to the dedication of the Life After Justice team (and Chicago Beyond multi-year investment partner) who pushed for this clemency. theappeal.org/terence-rich...

Reminder that TRAUMA is the root cause of issues inside jails + prisons. I encourage you to read the most recent issue of @CorrectionsNews outlining what @ChicagoBeyond is doing to help correctional systems center safety for everyone. issuu.com/wmhmedia/doc...

Time to make the jump over to @Bluesky - hi everyone! 👋🏾 I’m Liz, founder/CEO of Chicago Beyond. We are all about creating opps for equitable change through philanthropy, justice and health - investing in community leaders who are closest to these issues. chicagobeyond.org