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"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
This quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encapsulates the ethos driving Daniel O. Ash, who directs more than $10 million annually in critical funding for community-based organizations as the current president of the Field Foundation of Illinois. From Ohio to Princeton, New Jersey, and then back to the Midwest, Ash's journey has led him over time to become a pivotal leader in Chicago's philanthropic landscape.
Early Beginnings: From Princeton to Chicago
After graduating from Oberlin College and fresh from a prestigious fellowship at Princeton University, Ash set out on a journey to Chicago that would shape his future and the lives of many others. "I had never been to Chicago. I got accepted to a program here sight unseen," he recalls. "I was praying the whole time I drove from Princeton to Chicago, hoping I had enough gas money. Coming up the Skyway and Stony Island, I saw the skyline and nearly crashed the car. The beauty of the city, and the energy of Jackson Park with its music and people, were all so mesmerizing. It was August 1992, a day I will never forget. Chicago felt right, and it's easy to fall in love with the city even in its current state."
This initial enchantment with Chicago laid the foundation for Ash's enduring commitment to the city and its communities. His experiences and deep-rooted values drove him to pursue a career focused on social justice, community empowerment, artistic expression, and impactful philanthropy.
Personal and Professional Influences
Ash's perspective on fatherhood and community was profoundly influenced by his own experiences. "Being adopted taught me the value of a chosen family and the importance of support and love that transcends biological ties," he shares. The blend of his understanding of family and community has been a principle throughout his career. Purpose is a term that has been thrown around over the last couple of decades as a guiding post to why you do what you do, and when you gather the understanding that the work done is necessary, we wanted to know more about the initial force that drove Ash to the many decades of important work within his journey.
Recognizing Impact: A Transformative Experience in Advocacy
His early project on Black fathers, supported by the Field Foundation, marked a significant turning point in his career. Ash explains, "One of my early projects involved a program that connected fathers with their families, particularly those whose families were receiving public aid. I wrote a monograph on Black fathers, interviewing those men to understand their struggles and aspirations." This research was not merely an academic exercise for Ash; it was a deeply transformative experience. The work revealed the systemic obstacles those fathers faced and highlighted the urgent need for support and advocacy.
The project's impact became evident when Ash had the opportunity to share his findings with the fathers themselves. "When these fathers were able to read the monograph, many of them felt seen and validated for the first time," Ash recalls. It was a powerful moment of recognition for both the subjects of his research and him. The men were moved to see their stories accurately represented, with dignity, and their reactions underscored the importance of advocacy over mere scholarship.
Ash's experience with this project profoundly influenced his professional trajectory. "It wasn't just about gathering data; it was about giving voice to their experiences and pushing for policies that supported these men and their families," he says. The positive response from the fathers shifted Ash's focus from pursuing a PhD to becoming a more engaged advocate. He describes this shift as a "moment of being," akin to Virginia Woolf's concept, where he came to understand his true purpose and identity.
Career and Contributions
Daniel Ash has been a pivotal figure in advancing philanthropic and community-focused initiatives in Chicago, both during his tenure at the Chicago Community Trust (CCT) and subsequently at the Field Foundation. As Vice President of Community Impact at CCT, Ash was instrumental in creating the Building Collective Power strategy. This strategy focused on fostering equitable neighborhoods through grantmaking directed at community organizing, storytelling, and resident-driven initiatives. His efforts at CCT set a foundation for collaborative and community-driven philanthropy in Chicago.
Before his time at the Chicago Community Trust from which he transitioned to his current role at the Field Foundation, he held a high-ranking position at Chicago Public Media, where he consistently advocated for social justice and community engagement. At Chicago Public Media, he emphasized the importance of media in shaping public discourse and advancing social justice. "Media has the power to inform, to educate, and drive change. It's crucial in telling the stories that matter and in holding power to account," he notes. He further states, "I say this to emphasize that every issue I worked on was personal to me. Even my time in media reflects this. People often ask how I transitioned to spending ten years as Vice President at Chicago Public Media, our local NPR station. My deep interest in media stemmed from a belief that the stories of my community were not being told. I saw how challenging it was for those doing good policy work to have their ideas promoted and discussed in the media. My goal was to bridge that gap, believing that by elevating these voices, we could benefit our communities significantly."
Each of Daniel’s roles allowed him to deepen his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and to develop strategies to address these issues effectively.
The Role of the Field Foundation
The Field Foundation, under Ash's leadership, focuses on addressing systemic issues in Chicago by funding initiatives in justice, art, leadership investment, and media and storytelling. Founded in 1940 by Marshall Field III, heir to the Marshall Field department store fortune, the foundation has a long history of supporting community-driven solutions. "Our work at the Field Foundation is about more than just grants. It's about strategic investments that can create lasting impact. We believe in supporting leaders and organizations that are rooted in their communities and that have the vision and drive to make a difference," Ash explains.
Impact and Transformation
Ash's career journey underscores the nuanced evolution required to shift from a sphere defined by immediate, grassroots action to one deeply rooted in long-standing institutions and strategic objectives. Ash, whether he'd like to admit it or not, has the quiet yet powerful spirit of an activist. He was hired as the chief marketing officer at the Chicago Community Trust with a clear mandate: to restore the institution's relationship with the community. A century-old entity, the Trust had historically operated within an "ivory tower," advancing its agenda rather than directly addressing community needs. As Ash notes, "There were elements that were about activism, but I like to use the term impact." His role was to pivot the foundation's focus towards becoming a genuine bridge between donors and communities facing significant economic and social challenges.
The shift to philanthropic work involves rethinking the goals and methods of impact. "The unique thing about everything we wanted to do was to impact an issue in a way that makes a community stronger," Ash explains. This meant moving beyond mere financial contributions to engaging in transformative actions that could alter public policies, laws, and institutional practices for the betterment of communities. The pressure to effect change is palpable in activism, but it becomes even more critical when working within established institutions that may be disconnected from the grassroots realities they aim to address.
At the Chicago Community Trust, the challenge was to dismantle the "ivory tower" culture and create a foundation deeply rooted in community engagement. The goal was clear: to become an organization that is not just a funder but an active participant in community life. Ash elaborates, "How do we make sure that we're situated and surrounded by community and also committed to achieving tangible results?" His approach emphasizes that while research and theory are essential, they should not overshadow the necessity of practical, transformative solutions that directly benefit the neighborhoods in need.
Ash's philosophy at the Field Foundation builds on these principles. He advocates for a philanthropic model that goes beyond writing a check. "We should be the foundation that when we commit to an organization that identifies the clear challenge, the first facet of that relationship is maybe the grant but it's not the last or only facet. Instead, the commitment extends to bringing in all forms of capital—social, knowledge, and political—necessary to tackle the challenge at hand. This approach fosters a deeper partnership where both the foundation and its grantees are equally invested in the outcomes.
The concept of trust-based philanthropy, which gained its prominence during the pandemic and in the wake of George Floyd's death, aligns with Ash's vision. It emphasizes transferring capital to those directly involved in the work and stepping aside to allow them to lead. However, Ash adds a layer to this model: the importance of building trust through active collaboration and mutual commitment. "If you're building a relationship and it's grounded in trust, it's deep-rooted in the commitment to actually work towards solutions," he asserts. This collaborative ethos is vital for achieving meaningful impact in communities, particularly in Black and brown neighborhoods facing systemic challenges.
Art and storytelling play a crucial role in this transformative process. Ash reflects on the power of these elements, stating, "Art and storytelling ... allow individuals to discover and see themselves." This personal and collective exploration is essential for fostering connections and mobilizing community action. Storytelling bridges private experiences with public engagement, creating conditions that inspire and galvanize individuals to participate in collective efforts.
In essence, Ash's experience illustrates a profound shift from the immediacy of activism to the strategic depth of philanthropy, all while maintaining a core commitment to impact and community engagement. His approach highlights the need for foundations to be more than just financial backers; they must become active, involved partners in the pursuit of tangible, transformative change.
Reconnecting and Supporting Communities
Ash says “It is crucial to reconnect and support Black and brown communities on Chicago's South and West Sides with greater opportunities and services.” Through targeted grants and partnerships, he aims to create sustainable change. One such initiative involves local organizations working on economic development and educational programs. "These communities have the potential to thrive; they just need the right support," he adds. His work emphasizes the importance of grassroots involvement and the power of local solutions.
Power Building and Advocacy
A cornerstone of Ash's approach is empowering communities. "Power building is about giving communities the tools and resources they need to advocate for themselves. It's about shifting the balance of power so that those who are most affected by issues are at the forefront of finding solutions," he explains. "We must create conditions where Chicagoans can truly connect and fall in love with one another, transcending geographical and social divides. By fostering these connections, we can cultivate a deeper civic love that addresses systemic issues and leads to meaningful transformation."
One example of this is the work done by social justice artist, Tonika Lewis Johnson, who uses her art to bridge communities and promote dialogue between different neighborhoods. Her project involved connecting residents from disparate areas, encouraging them to understand and appreciate each other's experiences. This approach helps build empathy and fosters a sense of shared community, essential for effective power building.
Power building starts with individuals finding their voice and acting on it. It's about creating environments where people can connect and amplify their collective power. This collective power drives communities to identify shared priorities and work together toward common goals. It's not about diminishing others' power but about expanding everyone's ability to contribute to community transformation.
"For me, power building means supporting residents in becoming the authors of their own plans and ensuring that their priorities drive transformation. It's crucial for philanthropy to help create these conditions, providing the support needed for communities to thrive from within, rather than imposing solutions from the outside. Our goal is to not just fund projects but to be a catalyst for long-term, sustainable change." says Ash.
This involves not just financial support but also capacity building and leadership development. By empowering communities, Ash believes that systemic change can be achieved.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Over the years, Ash has collaborated with a diverse array of partners, from grassroots organizations to government agencies. "Collaboration is key to addressing complex social issues. No single entity can do it alone," he asserts. One notable partnership was with the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), where Ash recently helped the team strategize on a capital campaign. "It's about building relationships and being directly involved," he notes. His collaborative approach extends to his work with policymakers, advocating for policies that support marginalized communities and address systemic issues.
Art and Storytelling: Tools for Change
Consistent with his ideology Daniel served as associate vice president of Community Impact for The Chicago Community Trust, where he was responsible for creating the Building Collective Power strategy to help advance equitable neighborhoods within underinvested communities through grantmaking to community organizing, storytelling and resident-driven initiatives. Ash also views art and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy and social change. "Art has the ability to transcend barriers and connect people on a deeper level. It can challenge perceptions, spark dialogue, and inspire action," he explains. He cites a mural project in Englewood as an example. "The mural depicted the rich history and culture of the community. It not only beautified the area but also instilled a sense of pride and ownership among residents."
A Transformative Vision
Ash's transformative vision for philanthropy is grounded in active community engagement. "You can't understand a community's needs from a distance," he insists. His active involvement ranges from grassroots collaborations to strategic partnerships with local organizations. "Working hand-in-hand with those on the ground ensures that our efforts are relevant and impactful. It's important to listen and learn from the community. Their insights and experiences guide our work," he says.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the years to come, Ash is optimistic about the potential for systemic change. "I believe in the power of collective action. When communities come together with a shared vision, they can achieve incredible things," he affirms. "We've made significant strides, but there's always more to do. My hope is that we continue to build on this momentum and create lasting change."
Ash's dedication and visionary outlook leave no doubt that he and the Field Foundation will remain a pivotal force in Chicago's journey toward equity and community transformation.