Grants & Impact
AMARA Moves
AMARA moves resources toward the leadership, movements and organizations already building racial justice across Illinois. This page makes that work visible: the grants we make, the partners carrying the work and what shifts when Black communities are fully resourced.
When Black communities are fully resourced, the possibilities for justice expand for everyone.
Resourcing Power Across Illinois (Grant awards)
True repair requires consistent action, deep trust, and long-term commitment. Since 2016, we have backed the leaders, movements, and organizations shaping a future grounded in Black abundance, joy, and liberation.
Browse our grant history to see how our partners are moving racial justice forward.
At AMARA, we drive change through a strategic, equity-centered approach rooted in listening and collaboration.
Partner Stories
We move resources toward the power, strategy and leadership already active in community. These profiles put grantee partners at the center: what they are building, who they serve and the funding that sustains the work.
Each story connects to the funding pillar behind it, so you can see how Community Power Building, Narrative Justice and Pathways to Repair show up on the ground.
Deep Roots, New Name
I have spent most of my career learning to listen before I lead. It is the quietest tool in this work and the most radical one I own.…
IL Racial Justice & Equity Landscape Study
AMARA, while operating under its previous name, partnered with the Great Cities Institute on the Illinois Racial Justice & Equity Landscape Study, a groundbreaking effort to better understand…
Black Abundance 2025: Three days in Peoria showed what community-led power makes possible.
One of the most powerful reflections from Black Abundance 2025 came from an elder in the movement, a longtime Illinois organizer. After three days in Peoria, Mr. Norris paused and…
Chicago Votes: Powering Inclusive Democracy Through Youth Leadership and Community Engagement
As we approach the November 5th presidential election, we spotlight one of Grand Victoria Foundation’s key partners, Chicago Votes, and their efforts to engage and empower young people…
Our Approach
Shifting Power, Resourcing Repair
Across philanthropy, simply adopting equity principles is no longer enough. Real transformation requires organizations to decisively realign their mission around true racial justice.
AMARA is determined to lead this movement. We ground our approach in a deep commitment to structural repair that directly addresses systemic anti-Blackness. Our grantmaking is deeply informed by and responsive to the lived experiences of communities most affected by systemic racism, with a focus on supporting solutions that center their leadership and vision for change.
We encourage organizations to learn more about the application process or contact one of our team members before they start their application.
Pathways to Repair
AMARA supports leaders and organizations carrying racial justice work across Illinois. This includes resources for leadership development, rest, respite and organizational wellness.
Through the Rest, Respite and Reflection Fund, current grantee partners receive $25,000 beyond their existing AMARA grant award to invest in internal leadership development and wellness goals. The RRR Fund is available by invitation to current grantee partners.
The fund reflects AMARA’s belief that rest is the work. Leaders and organizations deserve resources that honor their humanity, support their wellness and help them endure.
Other Supports Beyond Grantmaking
AMARA also connects grantee partners to learning, professional development and other opportunities that support their work. Past offerings have included partnerships with AMPT Chicago in 2023 for cohort-based professional development and The Management Center in 2023 for management training.
These offerings are shaped by what grantee partners name, need and imagine. They reflect AMARA’s commitment to seeing organizations holistically and investing in people beyond the labor required to carry systems change and racial justice work.
