Equity.
Opportunity.
Prosperity.

When our neighbors do better, we all do better. Let’s work together to build a stronger Chicago region, for all of us.

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Stories of Impact

Creating a Thriving, Equitable, and Connected Chicago

Our Moonshot

Closing the Chicago Region’s Racial & Ethnic Wealth Gap

Only by making a shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and prosperity can we realize the region’s true potential. It’s as worthy a goal as reaching for the stars.

Learn About Our Strategy
Growing Household Wealth Catalyzing Neighborhood Investment Building Collective Power Closing the Racial & Ethnic Wealth Gap Addressing Critical Needs Connecting Philanthropy to Impact Advocating for Policy Change

Explore Our Inspiring Community in the Chicago Region

We collaborate and partner with impactful local organizations and individuals.

  • Bernard Bartilad

    Donor

    Bernard Bartilad is a senior vice president and market executive in commercial banking at Fifth Third Bank. Actively involved in the local LGBTQ community, Bartilad is currently a co-chair of the Trust’s LGBTQ Community Fund. He also started the MB Financial LGBTQ Initiative in 2011 and previously served on the board at the Center for Halsted. Bartilad is married to Michael Herman, CEO of Chicago House. They live in Rogers Park with their 16-year-old son, Adam.

  • The Illinois Immigration Funders Collaborative (IFC)

    Nonprofit

    The Illinois Immigration Funders Collaborative (IFC) is a collaborative fund that provides grant dollars to organizations serving immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. IFC focuses its funding on three areas: urgent immediate needs, legal assistance for individuals, and advocacy and organizing to advance immigrant rights and justice.

  • LGBTQ Community Fund

    Community Leader

    In 2010, civic leaders joined in a commitment to addressing a broad range of needs within the LGBTQ community, through strategic support to nonprofit organizations that serve it. Through an operating grant from The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and funding support from The Chicago Community Trust, the LGBTQ Community Fund serves as a tool to educate the region about LGBTQ issues and promote effective philanthropy to achieve strategic change.

  • Don Gottesman

    Staff Expert

    Don Gottesman is director of gift planning at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, he partners with donors and their advisors who would like…

Maximize Giving

We partner with individuals, families, and businesses to transform a vision for change into meaningful impact in Chicago and beyond.

Our Donors

A Century of Impact

For more than 100 years, The Chicago Community Trust has been a partner and ally to Chicago-area residents committed to our region's potential for greatness.

Our History

Strengthen Community Together

We convene leaders, changemakers, communities, and passionate individuals to support the Chicago region.

Our Community

Learning & Impact

$1.5 Billion in Total Grant Making Awarded by the Trust and Affiliated Donor Advised Fund Programs

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