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Spring 2026
In June, we can look back on our accomplishments over the first half of the year and recognize Migrant Heritage Month. I am particularly proud that Walder Foundation has had the opportunity to support compelling research published by TheDream.US in their report When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise. This report takes a national conversation and brings it into focus on a local, personal level by presenting faces and facts about Dreamers who are building lives, families, and careers in Chicago and Illinois.
As a former immigration attorney, I spent years leveling the playing field for immigrants in this country who sought to navigate their pathway to citizenship. I am grateful that through our Migration and Immigrant Communities pillar, Walder Foundation can continue to assist immigrants and refugees who wish to improve their lives and fulfill their dreams here in the U.S.
When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise makes clear that investing in Dreamers is invaluable to our local economy and communities. Over the past ten years, TheDream.US has awarded more than 12,000 scholarships, with over 4,500 college graduates to date — 370+ in Illinois. Eighty-five percent of these are the first in their families to attend college, and they have gone on to become entrepreneurs, educators, professionals, and community leaders.
The report highlights true examples of the American Dream. Walder Foundation is honored to showcase these achievers and the work of TheDream.US.
This newsletter is filled with updates about a number of organizations we are proud to support. Each article reflects the impact, innovation, and investment in people that Walder Foundation aims for. I hope these stories inspire you and spark fresh new ideas and dreams as we look forward to the second half of 2026.
Warmly,
Elizabeth Walder
President & CEO
Elizabeth Walder, President & CEO of Walder Foundation
MIGRATION AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise
Handout provided at June 2026 fireside chat hosted by TheDream.US.
Who are Dreamers today?
Beyond students, they are professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
A new report by TheDream.US tells the data and stories behind the impact of investing in Dreamers’ education in Chicago and Illinois.
JEWISH LIFE
Care that Connects, All Under One Roof
Executive Director Rachel Karesh of Upward Community (right) with Mrs. Elizabeth Walder (left) at a sign in the organization's new building. Photo credit: Deja Views Photography
When a child struggles or a family feels unsure where to turn, what makes the difference between falling through the cracks and feeling truly supported?
Explore how Upward Community’s new home brings prevention, enrichment, and intervention in mental health care together under one roof, creating seamless, culturally grounded support for Jewish youth and families.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Science Doesn’t Wait for Graduation
Student explaining their research during poster session at Walder Foundation's Biota Awards Celebration in September 2025. Photo credit: Eric Clarke Photography
Some area undergraduates aren’t just learning science — they’re producing it.
Discover how summer research programs managed by Elmhurst University and Chicago State University are advancing knowledge through trust, belonging, and real responsibility.
👉 Read how students are shaping science
PERFORMING ARTS
What Arts Workers Need to Sustain a Creative, Joyful Life
TeAda Productions' "Masters of the Currents" received a 2018 MAP Fund grant. The production was co-created by 2018 Scaffolding for Practicing Artists artist Leilani Chan. Photo credit: Brad Goda
Financial support is critical, but it’s often not enough.
What performing artists also need is space: to reflect, recalibrate, and grow.
A new Walder Foundation collaboration with MAP Fund's Scaffolding for Practicing Artists program is making that possible for 2024 Platform Awardees.
👉 See how this partnership is supporting artists in ways funding alone cannot
SCIENCE INNOVATION
Just a Moment Away: How Nucleate Chicago is Supporting Life Science Innovation and Expansion in the Midwest
2025-2026 Nucleate Chicago Activator Cohort group photo. Photo courtesy of Nucleate Chicago
Six companies. More than $17M raised. Dozens of jobs created.
Nucleate Chicago’s student-led Activator Program is fueling new life science ventures in Chicago and beyond.
And helping build the talent pipeline to sustain the ecosystem.
👉 Learn more about the organization and people who are driving this growth
WALDER HIGHLIGHTS
Applications are now open for the 2027 Biota Awards, a program to fund early career researchers based in Illinois who seek to restore, protect, and conserve biodiversity locally and around the world. Walder Foundation aims to support the development and deployment of evidence-based, durable solutions to real world conservation challenges. The 2027 Biota Awards are exclusively focused on providing support for early career independent investigators. Learn more: Biota Awards website
WALDER WHEREABOUTS
On April 27, Jewish Woman Entrepreneur hosted its annual Powered by Her Conference, convening over 500 women for a day of insight, growth, and connection. Elizabeth Walder welcomed attendees, and spoke about how women’s Torah learning can help fuel business success and communal leadership. The event was also attended by Walder Foundation's Elana Berlin and Tamar Snyder. Photo credit: Michelle Gevint Photography
Walder Foundation's Migration and Immigrant Communities team participated in the United Nation's Second International Migration Review Forum in New York, held May 5-8. The multi-day forum focuses on reviewing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), a blueprint for improving global migration governance. An updated report outlining local and regional government voluntary efforts toward reaching the GCM’s objectives was shared. Chicago is among the 50 cities referenced in the report, pledging to use the findings of a recent Welcoming America audit to strengthen the city’s policies, improve its practices, and embed a comprehensive immigrant inclusion strategy across all City departments.
At the annual Nitzavim Fellowship Impact Project Showcase in Jerusalem, supported in part by Walder Foundation, gap-year students from North America and the United Kingdom presented innovative projects aimed at strengthening Jewish identity and community on their future college campus. Jenni Richton, Walder Foundation’s Program Director for Jewish Life, was one of the judges for the competition. Read more about the event. Photo credit: Chaim Herbsman
