Innovation 80’s distinctive way of working with its grantees has a wide-ranging impact on Chicago communities, attested to by the grantees themselves. Below are some assessments sent to us by organizations we support. We are humbled and inspired by these statements.
“The communication and openness to ideas from the whole Innovation 80 team is a breath of fresh air. You can tell that they care so much about our mission and goals from the thoughtful connections and resources that they match us with. This is a unique approach from other funders in our field and we are looking forward to growing together.”
—Green Star Movement
“The leaders behind Innovation 80 approach the field of grant-making with joy, curiosity, and urgency. There is no other funder more invested in the programming, and the people behind it...The single most unique aspect of Innovation 80 is their enthusiasm for and investment in new ideas. As a leader of a small arts organization, I see firsthand the programming needs in our community but recognize the inherent hurdles to building new programming. This means that many ideas never come to fruition. Innovation 80 is a builder of programming and, as their name implies, a true advocate for innovative programming.”
—2nd Story
“The resources and counsel that Innovation 80 provides have been unexpected and impactful...They’re a collective of like-minded individuals who see the arts as a tool for serving marginalized populations and want to support non-profit organizations that put that idea into practice. They are a one-of-a-kind fund. Innovation 80 is in regular contact with its grantees, finding creative ways to strengthen the grantor-grantee relationship that goes well beyond financial support.”
—Reading Between the Lines
“Working with Innovation 80 has been a study in the art of creative problem-solving. There is always the assumption that a challenge can be met, and problems can be solved. Each part of our process of working together on the I80 apprenticeships has been marked by transparency, excitement, and joy. They are not bogged down by antiquated practices, and the caliber of advisors and staff at I80 has been a constant source of inspiration to the ChiArts Foundation to find ways to do things differently... They bring a sense of excitement and fun to changing things in the Chicago art community for the better. As we recover from the pandemic and envision an improved arts sector, I am honored that I get to do this with I80.”
—ChiArts Foundation
“As a leader who has worked in the nonprofit section for over 25 years, it is a precious gift to be funded by a foundation that not only encourages grantees to connect but provides an avenue and structure to do so. Innovation 80 is authentically invested in us, not just for a program or a period, but shows a commitment to the longevity of our mission.”
— Changing Worlds
“Often relationships with funders do not extend beyond applying, mid-grant check-in, and final report. Innovation80 has engaged with us personally, expanded our network—and provided additional funding for us to hire an intern! We feel like we can take our arts programming to the next level, and Innovation80 is a true partner in this endeavor.”
—Chicago DanzTheater
“From the application process to the invaluable introductions, our experience with Innovation80 has been unique and refreshing. We find ourselves inspired by their approach and anticipate great things for those we serve to result from this partnership.”
—Reinventability
“The support we've received from Innovation 80 during this partnership has been second to none. Innovation 80 is truly invested in their grantees, and their investment goes far beyond their financial contributions. From pairing us with our own advisor to generating collaborative efforts between grantees like the I80/ChiArts apprenticeship program, Innovation 80 is genuinely interested in enhancing and ensuring long-term partnerships with their grantees. Curiosity, commitment, and support like this is both rare and refreshing, and we are excited to be on this journey with Innovation 80.”
—SitStayRead
“Innovation 80 is unique among private foundations in that they seem to take a truly community-centered approach to philanthropy. It is clear from the conversations, opportunities, and requests that they prioritize the entire community and value each grantee for the work that we do serving that community.”
—Storycatchers Theatre