Such changes also pose the risk that ineffective or misguided policies may be adopted. Developing effective approaches in favor of economic security and greater equality of economic opportunity is an important national and international priority, and a major focus of this program. To be effective, a community must have the ability to mobilize and use the resources of its members, along with outside resources, to foster individual growth and community development. For this reason, the Foundation's grantmaking focuses particular attention on these communities. Support for the arts is an important focus of community-building work in Chicago.
Cultural life is the soul of a community.
The arts have the ability to engage everyone, binding people and communities together across many barriers. They are a powerful means of enhancing individual development and strengthening communities through personal and cultural expression and celebration. While human development is a lifelong process, the years from birth to adulthood are an especially crucial period of development. The program takes a special interest in children of school age and in youth who are beginning to assume adult responsibilities. Recognizing, though, that schools are just one influence on successful youth development, the program's interests also encompass approaches to youth development that involve families, social and cultural organizations, churches, businesses, and other community institutions.