Landmarks Illinois Receives $300,000 Gift from MacArthur Foundation

Chicago, Sept. 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Landmarks Illinois, the leading preservation advocacy organization in Illinois, has received a significant $300,000 gift from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The donation will support the group’s efforts to make preservation more accessible and inclusive, aligning with its five-year strategic roadmap, the Transformational Plan.

Frank Butterfield, the interim President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois, expressed gratitude for the support.

The MacArthur Foundation’s gift is part of its Chicago Commitment program, which aims to invest in people, places, and partnerships to advance racial equity and build a more inclusive Chicago. The three-year grant will provide critical funding for Landmarks Illinois’ general operations, enabling the organization to advance its mission of accelerating the preservation and reuse of significant places statewide to foster healthy, livable, and thriving communities.

Landmarks Illinois manages several community-focused initiatives, including the Reinvestment Program Loan Fund, which provides more accessible lending terms to preservation projects where conventional financing may be unavailable. The Preservation Heritage Fund and the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side also distribute monetary assistance to people preserving places of cultural and architectural significance in Illinois. Additionally, the organization engages in statewide advocacy efforts, providing hands-on assistance to promote and support sustainable reuse of the built environment.

The MacArthur Foundation’s support comes at a pivotal time for Landmarks Illinois. The organization’s work is crucial in fostering equitable community development and civic engagement. By leveraging this funding, Landmarks Illinois aims to expand its reach and impact, particularly in under-resourced communities, where preservation can play a vital role in economic opportunity, climate resilience, and neighborhood identity.

Through its strategic roadmap, Landmarks Illinois seeks to position preservation as an accessible, equitable, and effective tool for community-driven revitalization. The organization’s efforts are part of a broader movement to recognize the value of preserving historical and cultural landmarks, not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their role in building stronger, more resilient communities.