Rethinking What It Means to Be Civically Engaged
Every single one of us participates in public life—whether you’re reporting a pothole on the city’s 311 app, attending Ward night, or volunteering…
Stories
Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.
Recent Stories
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Virginia Oviedo on the Power of Uniting to Advance Community
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Latinx philanthropists and…
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An Early Boost Gives Community Developers a Huge Leg Up
How an innovative Trust grant program helps neighborhood visions for growth become reality The Chicago Community Trust believes all Chicago neighborhoods are assets,…
“Community Spotlight” Stories
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Brewing Catalytic Growth in a Far South Side Community
When it comes to helping individuals, families, and communities build wealth, neighborhood investment is a force multiplier. Neighborhood development projects create businesses and jobs, bring…
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Supporting Laws that Help Black and Latinx Families Keep Their Wealth
From redlining to predatory lending, laws and policies have played an instrumental role in preventing generations of Black and Latinx families from building as much…
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Searle Funds: A Conversation with Peggy Davis and Angel Gibson
To administer the Searle Collaborative Funds, the Trust works closely with Kinship Foundation—a private operating foundation that advances the institutional philanthropy of the Searle family.…
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Supporting Community-Led Strategies for Vaccine Outreach
Addressing our communities’ most immediate needs has always been—and always will be—foundational to the Trust’s work. In 2021, one of our most urgent priorities was…
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A Roof over Our Neighbor's Heads and a Foundation for Their Future
When it comes to helping Black and Latinx families grow their household wealth, homeownership is a tool that matters. Experts estimate that if Black and…
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Elevating Diverse Media Voices to Strengthen Communities
Community media groups are vital to the people and places they serve. Whether it’s a treasured legacy newspaper or a weekly podcast, such outlets use…
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Listen. Learn. Reflect. Address: How Cultivate: Women of Color Leadership Encourages Movement Building
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Trust is featuring insights from philanthropists and leaders who are making a difference in the Chicago region. Be…
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Pursuing the Arts to Facilitate Social Conversations: Tonika Johnson Awarded Third Donald Stewart Fellowship
In celebration of Black History Month, the Trust is featuring insights from philanthropists and leaders who are making a difference in the Chicago region. Be…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) organizes with the community to eliminate health and wealth disparities in North Lawndale and worldwide. LCDC’s work is done by…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Latin United Community Housing Association
Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) has a mission to advance housing as a human right by empowering communities – particularly Latinx and Spanish-speaking populations…
