The Chicago-based Joyce Foundation has announced the relaunch of its Joyce Awards after a year-long hiatus, introducing a significant shift in its funding model. Starting with the 2026 cycle, the program will move from project-based grants to providing four artists annually with $100,000 in unrestricted funds, alongside a $40,000 grant for a partner nonprofit. The awards will now operate on a biennial rotation between specific Great Lakes states and allow for self-nominations for the first time.
This restructuring reflects a growing trend in philanthropy toward trust-based giving, prioritizing artist autonomy over rigid project deliverables. By partnering with United States Artists to administer these unrestricted grants, the Joyce Foundation aims to provide regional artists—particularly those focused on racial equity and community engagement—with the financial flexibility needed to sustain their practices and take creative risks in a challenging economic climate.