Chicago-Area Nonprofits: Join the National Conversation with Us@250

In 2026, the U.S. marks our 250th anniversary as a nation. Over the next few years, New America is committed to celebrating and actively reimagining a shared future using three core concepts: pride in the nation’s progress from its origins, reckoning with historical and contemporary wrongs that have caused the nation to fall short of its ideals, and aspiration for a multiracial and inclusive democracy governed by the principles of equality, fairness, and opportunity. This year, New America Chicago is partnering with local nonprofits to host inclusive community conversations that build connections across the vibrant communities of Chicago. Two nonprofits will be chosen to receive a $5,000 grant to host between August and December 2024.

Us@250 is a nationwide initiative dedicated to bringing diverse voices together to discuss pressing issues, share experiences, and spark meaningful dialogue. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, it's essential to create spaces where everyone's perspectives are heard and valued.

In Chicago, this initiative will focus on the aspirational portion of the Us@250 theme by hearing from low and middle income communities what they need to reach their version of the American Dream for themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. Through facilitated conversations, we aim to foster empathy, understanding, and collaboration among individuals from all backgrounds. Each event will recruit people from your area, as well as inviting those from other communities to join you there. The size of the event can be determined by the hosting organization.

New America Chicago will provide support in terms of the format, topics discussed, questions asked, as well as guidance on recruitment. The Chicago events are funded by The Chicago Community Trust and Field Foundation.

• Foster Community Connections: Gather individuals from all walks of life and diverse communities across our region to engage in open, respectful conversations on the future of our nation.
• Amplify Diverse Voices: Provide a platform for underrepresented voices to share their stories, insights, and aspirations and find common ground across our country.
• Inspire Positive Change: Spark ideas, collaborations, and initiatives that contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and thriving U.S.

• Venue: Provide snacks and a welcoming space that can accommodate a diverse group of participants from different communities across Chicago. Whether it's a cozy coffee shop, a community center, or a cultural hub, the venue should facilitate comfortable and meaningful interactions.
• Facilitation: Lead discussions with empathy, openness, and a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. Facilitators will receive training and support from the New America Chicago team using the story circle method..
• Recruitment & Promotion: Help spread the word about the event within your networks and communities to ensure a diverse and engaged audience. We'll provide promotional materials and support to amplify your outreach efforts, as well as publicizing across local platforms.

As part of the event, hosting organizations are encouraged to gather quotes and/or videos with community members’ answers to your choice of these common questions shared across locations. These questions include:

• What does your version of the American Dream look like?
• In your family/ in your community, what do you worry will get in the way of achieving your version of the American Dream and financial prosperity?
• With the 250th anniversary or “birthday” of the United States coming up (Declaration of Independence ratified on July 4, 1776), what do you think it means to be American?
• What is your dream for America for our 250th birthday?
• What does America need to reckon with or fix before we can move forward as a country?
• When did you first become an American? Or Tell me about a time when you were proud to be an American?

Responses from Us@250 events will be compiled and shared with a national audience through New America, a leading think tank focused on advancing innovative ideas and solutions for the future. By hosting an Us@250 event, your organization will have the opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation and make an impact beyond our local community.

If your nonprofit organization is passionate about community engagement and eager to host an Us@250 event in 2024, we want to hear from you! Please submit a brief one-page summary outlining your organization's mission, proposed event venue, and your vision for the format.

We are no longer accepting applications for this opportunity. Thank you to those that applied.

We look forward to working together to create an inclusive and vibrant Chicago where every voice is heard and valued. Join us in hosting an Us@250 event and be a catalyst for positive change in our community!