The Foundation’s grantmaking strategy is squarely focused on strengthening the human capital in urban schools by addressing the effectiveness of teachers, the leadership skills of principals, and the managerial and analytic talent needed at multiple levels of the school system.

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The goal of the Foundation’s Youth Development grantmaking is to bring the voice of young people to the significant issues that affect them and their communities. Too often, youth perspectives are unheard or ignored and consequently, young people do not play a central role in addressing the problems and decisions that impact their lives.

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The W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation is committed to improving the healthy development of children, ages 0-8, by supporting innovative programs, initiatives and policies that benefit such children and their families.

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In The Spotlight...

Two jobs, no benefits: Can Illinois rescue its early childhood workforce?

Cassie Walker Burke, Chalkbeat Chicago Jun 21, 5:15pm CDT Preschool teacher Devon Jefferson starts work at a child care center each morning at 6 a.m., clocks in for a second job as a home health care aide in the afternoon, and attends night classes several evenings a month.  After two decades as an early childhood […]
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State-by-state analysis shows U.S. child care workforce struggling to survive

The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment released the 2020 Early Childhood Workforce Index. The report provides a data-rich look at state-based policies and conditions for the early care and education workforce.
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Syliva Puente

Sylvia Puente Honored!

Sylvia Puente, President & CEO of Latino Policy Forum, a W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation grantee, has been recognized by the Consul General of Mexico in Chicago with a 2020 Ohtli Award.
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New & Noteworthy

2021 Grants Awarded

The W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation awarded approximately $5 million in grants in 2021. Please visit our Grants Awarded section for detailed descriptions.
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Pandemic recession: Invest in child care to help women return to the workforce

Of all the statistics about the American economy reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, the most shocking is that the United States lost 140,000 jobs in December, and all were by women. That number starkly illustrates how women are bearing the brunt of the pandemic-related recession. Caring for children or aiding their virtual schooling while trying to hold down a job is difficult for most, and impossible for some.
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Racial Equity Again Focus of 2020 Grantee Convening

National Leaders Speak About Education in Covid-19 and Covid-19 Recovery In September, Fifty-Two W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation grantees from all three of its program areas gathered for Transformation for Racial Equity: Moving Toward Action, the 2020 Annual Grantee Convening. Grounded by presentations from Linda Darling-Hammond, Learning Policy Institute, LaShawn Route’ Chatmon, National […]
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This grant provides support for Chicago Freedom School’s Youth Leadership Training Cohort, which develops young leaders into trauma-informed healing justice trainers for teachers, cultural workers, and adult youth workers.