Our Work

The Trust brings together generous donors, committed organizations, and caring residents to effect lasting change that makes our region better for all.

Our Approach:
A Roadmap to Economic Mobility for Chicagoans

Explore Our Strategy Areas

Strategy Area
Homeownership
Expanding sustainable homeownership and helping residents remain in their homes to strengthen housing stability and neighborhoods.
Strategy Area
Income & Financial Assets
Helping individuals and families increase income, strengthen financial health, reduce debt, and access education, employment, and financial resources.
Strategy Area
Small Business
Strengthening neighborhood economies by helping small businesses create jobs, contribute to commercial corridors, and support community vitality.

Strategy Area
Community Development
Supporting community-led investment that strengthens neighborhood assets, preserves affordability, and helps residents shape and benefit from neighborhood change.
Strategy Area
Collective Power
Improving community well-being by shifting what people believe is possible and equipping local leaders to create change.
Strategy Area
Policy Change
Reforming public policies and processes that strengthen financial security and community well-being, expand economic opportunity, and increase investment in under-invested communities.

Strategy Area
Critical Needs
Helping individuals and families meet basic and urgent needs while strengthening the systems that support long-term stability.
Strategy Area
Connecting Philanthropy to Impact
Bringing people together through giving to meet community needs and strengthen the Chicago region.

Our Work is More Than Grantmaking

Philanthropy is our business. It’s what happens between when donations come in and when organizations are funded, that makes The Chicago Community Trust experience truly unique. The strength of our expertise goes to work—no matter what your philanthropic goals—to ensure your generosity can do the greatest good for our region and beyond.

Working in Partnership & Collaboration

We collaborate and partner with impactful local organizations and individuals working to effect lasting change in the Chicago region.

Policymakers

Just as policies and systems have created the wealth gap, policy and systems reforms will be critical to closing it. As a public charity, the Trust is able to focus a portion of our energies on policy and advocacy in support of our mission. As a result, we are working with policymakers and coalitions to advance policies and systems that support racial and economic equity.

Donors

The Trust partners with our generous donors to help them realize their philanthropic goals and ensure their giving can do the greatest good. We share with interested donors our deep knowledge of the nonprofit sector, and we invite them to collaborate with us on strategic opportunities to make an even greater impact together.

Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are the heartbeat that makes our region stronger and our communities more resilient. The Trust funds nonprofits that are working to close the region’s wealth gap and to address residents’ most critical needs.

Private Sector

Philanthropy and government alone cannot tackle inequity. Recognizing that we can do far more together, the Trust is committed to partnering with businesses and other funders to advance equity, opportunity, and systems change.

Questions?

Looking for more information on our strategic plan?

Take a look at our FAQs.