We believe every person deserves to live in a community where they feel safe and supported. The conditions that foster safety are the same ones that allow health to flourish; they are interconnected.

Community safety is not simply the absence of violence. It is the presence of opportunity, belonging, and the assurance of fundamental rights. When people have access to food, mental health care, and supportive networks—and can live with dignity and without fear—they are healthier, and their neighborhoods are safer.

We recognize that threats to community well-being take many forms, especially in this moment. Aggressive and dangerous immigration enforcement has generated fear and trauma that will be felt for generations. At the same time, impending cuts to healthcare and food assistance will create profound economic impacts across working-class neighborhoods in Illinois. These conditions of instability and harm undermine the health and safety of everyone in our service region.

This moment demands that we focus our resources where they matter most: supporting community-led care. Communities are already mobilizing, providing food, creating healing spaces, organizing for collective action, and advancing policy change. When they have the collective strength to act, they become more resilient in the face of systemic challenges. Grassroots power may respond to immediate needs, but its greatest strength lies in the long term. This is why we are deepening our commitment to sustaining and strengthening these efforts—funding work that amplifies community voice, leadership, and civic participation to cultivate conditions where everyone is welcome, lives with dignity, and thrives.

Every day, we witness our grantee partners and the communities they serve demonstrating extraordinary resilience and care. Our role is to listen, learn from their leadership, and ensure our support meets the scale of this moment. To our grantee partners: Your steadfast commitment inspires us. We see your work, value your expertise, and remain unwavering in our partnership with you. You are not alone in this work.

In this moment, we have each other, and that solidarity matters. Philanthropy is about caring for people and investing in their potential. We invite our peers and community partners to help build environments where everyone can thrive. When communities have what they need, they are safer. When they are safe, they can heal, grow, and build the future they envision. We remain committed to a future that works for and includes everyone.