Connecting Philanthropy to Impact

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

Mural depicting hands of many colors against a bright checkered background.

The Trust envisions a Chicago region where equity is central, and opportunity and prosperity are in reach for all.

But we know we can’t get there alone. That’s why the Trust serves as a platform for change that connects philanthropy to impact.

  • Background

    As a community foundation with over a century of experience addressing the region’s most pressing needs, the Trust serves as a trusted partner to individuals, families, businesses, and fellow funders striving to build a stronger Chicago region, country, and world.

  • The Opportunity

    We meet our donors and partners at all points along the giving journey, helping transform their philanthropic goals and passions into impactful strategies that improve our region for all.

  • Our Approach

    Through the Trust, our donors and partners discover connections to networks, ideas, and resources for making lasting change.

To learn more about local impact and ways to give, click here.

How It Works

Deepening Relationships
Inviting Collaboration
Demonstrating Impact

The Trust forms trusted, long-term relationships with our partners based on the knowledge of our shared interests and values. We provide donors with strategic advice and continue to expand our capacity to offer the most cutting-edge vehicles and tools for their philanthropy.

We keep our partners informed of the Trust’s strategic priorities and invite them to join us and our wider network of stakeholders in making change at a greater scale than any of us can make alone.

We are committed to sharing the outcomes and learnings of the Trust’s grant making with our partners and stakeholders. This insight helps guide our future giving in the near term, while building a sense of connection and confidence in our collective action for the future of our region.

  • The Trust forms trusted, long-term relationships with our partners based on the knowledge of our shared interests and values. We provide donors with strategic advice and continue to expand our capacity to offer the most cutting-edge vehicles and tools for their philanthropy.

  • We keep our partners informed of the Trust’s strategic priorities and invite them to join us and our wider network of stakeholders in making change at a greater scale than any of us can make alone.

  • We are committed to sharing the outcomes and learnings of the Trust’s grant making with our partners and stakeholders. This insight helps guide our future giving in the near term, while building a sense of connection and confidence in our collective action for the future of our region.

  • Connecting Philanthropy to Impact

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How You Can Join

Interested in learning more or partnering with us?

If you have questions about how to best achieve your philanthropic goals, please contact Kristin Carlson Vogen, Senior Director of Philanthropic Services, at kvogen@cct.org.

If you are a wealth, tax, or legal advisor, please contact Tim Bresnahan, Senior Director of Gift Planning, at tbresnahan@cct.org.

If you would like to make a contribution to a philanthropic fund at The Chicago Community Trust, please contact Adele Nandan, Interim Director of Resource Development, at anandan@cct.org.

Our Team

Click here to learn more about our Philanthropic Services team.