Court Receives $125,000 from Walder Foundation
We’re thrilled to share that we have received a $125,000 two-year grant from the Walder Foundation in support of our Engagement department.
Walder Foundation provided nearly $3 million in grants to 19 performing arts organizations in the Chicago region in October 2025. The grants are intended to help launch innovative ideas that respond to capacity-building needs affecting small and midsize performing arts organizations in Chicago.
Projects address the important areas of pay equity and arts worker care, changing business models, and leadership retention.
“These key areas are critical to help develop longevity and sustainability, rethink the way arts organizations have historically been operating, and build pathways to growth and investment in cultural workers within performing arts organizations,” shares Ebony Chuukwu, Senior Program Officer, Performing Arts of Walder Foundation.
“At Walder Foundation, we see place-based philanthropy as a powerful tool to catalyze sustainable, long-term change,” shares Elizabeth Walder, President and CEO of Walder Foundation. “This investment in Chicago’s performing arts sector will help increase its capacity to adapt and grow, highlighting that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Walder Foundation was established by Joseph and Elizabeth Walder to address critical issues impacting our world. The Foundation’s five areas of focus—science innovation, environmental sustainability, the performing arts, migration and immigrant communities, and Jewish life—are an extension of the Walders’ lifelong passions, interests, and their personal and professional experiences.
Walder Foundation’s support of performing artists and arts organizations aims to sustain careers and cultural groups so artists can continue to create and perform for the betterment of our communities.
Please join us in celebrating this achievement and the work of our fellow awardees!