Learn About the Initiative

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About the Initiative

Healing Illinois is a racial healing initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Field Foundation of Illinois. Healing Illinois was designed to support communities across Illinois to begin or continue the work of racial healing in their communities. The ongoing oppressive and structural tactics that uphold systemic racism and inequities highlight the need for racial healing, and the need to address the underlying systems that have created the conditions where vast racial disparities are allowed to exist. As we move ahead with the work of systemic change, we must also lay the groundwork for community healing, acknowledging the harm done to communities of color and providing the space for healing. Healing Illinois represents one step in that process, promoting racial healing for everyone, and advancing racial equity in Illinois.

Healing Illinois will provide up to $4.5 million in grants to organizations across the state to begin, or continue, the work of racial healing.

The major goals of this project are to:

Build knowledge and understanding of racial healing and equity in communities across the state
Strengthen trust and relationship building, among the residents of Illinois
Expand opportunities for communities and individuals to begin to heal from the harms caused by racism
Increase awareness and media engagement focused on racial healing and equity

If you have any questions, please view our Frequently Asked Questions page.