Funding Area
Immigrant Justice
Schreiber Philanthropy believes that treating immigrants with dignity and empowering them to contribute to their communities will enrich all of society.
Our work in this area is driven by the belief that our country was built by and for immigrants, and that anyone seeking a better future deserves to have access to basic human needs.
Our Strategy
Schreiber Philanthropy centers its immigrant justice strategy around five key priorities.
Our work is focused within the Chicagoland region, and will evolve based on the dynamic nature of the world we live in. With that in mind, we are committed to learning alongside our partners and being nimble in our strategy to achieve these goals.
Immigrant Justice Priorities
Invest in innovative economic mobility initiatives that allow immigrants to bring valuable skills to their communities.
Amplify the stories of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers to combat misinformation and ensure that our shared humanity is recognized by all.
Expand access to affordable legal services.
Strengthen language access initiatives to support successful participation in civic and social lives.
Invest in culturally-competent, trauma-informed mental health resources for immigrants, refugees and asylees
Grantee Spotlight
Midwest Immigrant
Defenders Alliance (MIDA)
In Illinois, tens of thousands of immigrants face deportation proceedings without legal representation. Formed in 2022, the Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA) unites leading legal organizations to provide coordinated representation to detained immigrants. Founded by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), The Resurrection Project (TRP), The Immigration Project (TIP), and the Cook County Public Defender, MIDA operates through a centralized intake system, accepting cases regardless of how difficult they are, whenever possible, and offering free representation to low-income immigrants, regardless of the perceived likelihood of winning their case. Since its founding, the coalition has grown from two partner organizations to seven, and from 16 legal representatives to 40.
The need has never been greater. The number of people in immigration detention across the Midwest has grown dramatically, and demand for MIDA's services has surged, with 1,719 incoming referrals received in 2025 alone. An independent evaluation by the Vera Institute of Justice found that MIDA clients were 366% more likely than similarly situated unrepresented individuals to be granted relief, with impacts holding steady across judges and administrations. In 2025, MIDA represented 223 clients, surpassing the total number of people served during its first two years.
This critical work helps build shared capacity across organizations and sustain coordinated defense efforts at a moment of unprecedented need, reinforcing access to justice and due process for immigrant communities and all people in the United States of America.
Grantee Spotlight
Center for Immigrant Progress
Founded in 2019 by six young women from mixed-status immigrant families, the Center for Immigrant Progress (CIP) was created to address critical gaps in access, trust, and support for immigrant communities in Lake County. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a trusted organization providing immigration-related legal services, health and wellness support, civic engagement, leadership development, and rapid-response coordination during a time of heightened enforcement and uncertainty.
Lake County is home to more than 150,000 immigrants, including over 45,000 undocumented individuals, and many mixed-status families navigating complex challenges with limited access to trusted resources. CIP serves as a critical bridge, connecting families to accurate information, legal support, and community-based services through free legal clinics, Know Your Rights education, and emergency preparedness planning. Schreiber Philanthropy has partnered with CIP to support efforts to expand access to legal services, build community leadership, and ensure families can move from fear toward stability, dignity, and opportunity.
See previous grantee spotlights
Impact
As the immigrant justice landscape has gotten more divisive, John and Kathy felt the need to overtly state their commitment to this work, particularly in Chicagoland. These investments range from direct legal services to workforce efforts designed to build a pipeline of attorneys to serve the unique needs of immigrants, migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees.
Since 2005
$32M in Grants
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