Explore Our Strategy Areas

We’ve made a 10-year commitment to closing Chicago’s racial and ethnic wealth gap while remaining steadfast in the core areas of work that are foundational to who we are.

Closing the Racial & Ethnic Wealth Gap

  • Strategy Area

    Growing Household Wealth

    Addressing the wealth gap at the household level by increasing incomes, building assets, and reducing debt.

  • Strategy Area

    Catalyzing Neighborhood Investment

    Addressing the wealth gap at the neighborhood level through more investment in community-led revitalization.

  • Strategy Area

    Building Collective Power

    Addressing the wealth gap at the community level by connecting people, amplifying resident voice, and sparking action.

Our Foundational Work

  • Strategy Area

    Addressing Critical Needs

    Supporting essential service organizations that are addressing the most basic and immediate needs of individuals and families across our region.

  • Strategy Area

    Connecting Philanthropy to Impact

    Catalyzing the generosity of our partners to advance equity, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

  • Strategy Area

    Policy and Advocacy

    Supporting and advancing policy and advocacy efforts to effect systemic change.

Our Work is More Than Grant Making

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.

Illinois State Capitol

Policymakers

Just as policies and systems have created the racial and ethnic 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 racial and ethnic 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.