From the Archives: 2004 – The Creation of the Disabilities Fund
December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which celebrates the achievements of people with disabilities and raises awareness of the challenges…
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
-
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 23: Understanding the Impact of Public Benefits
When most people picture hunger in America, they think of food pantries. Yet for every meal a pantry provides, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance…
-
Asian Giving Circle Awards $100,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
Asian Giving Circle, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is a grassroots philanthropic initiative uniting donor to make a greater collective impact…
“Donor Profile” Stories
-
Joshua Moreno: On Philanthropy & Showing Up for Others
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of the Latine communities in Chicago and across the country. As The…
-
Bob Crawford’s Journey from Business Leader to Philanthropic Changemaker
Individual giving remains the driving force behind philanthropy in the United States. Even amid market uncertainty, giving increased by 3.3 percent in 2024 over the…
-
A Young Leader's Vision for Collective Impact
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, this inspiring Q&A features Jacque Stefanic, a nonprofit founder, donor and community leader, as he shares his philanthropic journey.…
-
The Block Family: A Legacy of Impactful Leadership
The Block family’s legacy of civic and philanthropic leadership is deeply woven through both Chicago’s history and the Trust’s. In 1893, the family founded the…
-
Fifth Third Builds a New Model for Community Development in South Chicago
Fifth Third Bank’s long history of supporting communities goes back to 1948, when it became the first U.S. financial institution to establish a charitable foundation.…
-
Larry Saret on Supporting What Matters to You
Larry Saret first met the Trust when he was a senior in high school. His father had passed away five years earlier, and he was…
-
Making Meaningful Difference: A Q&A with Philanthropist Laura Gutierrez
Giving back is part of who Laura Gutierrez is and how she chooses to show up in the world. What began as a high school…
-
Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Natashia Holmes
Natashia L. Holmes is the founder of McMillan Holmes LLC, a law firm specializing in real estate and property law. Prior to starting her firm,…
-
JPMorgan Chase Pursues A More Inclusive Chicago Economy
In 2020, JPMorgan Chase announced a $30 billion commitment to help address the racial wealth gap. This included $150 million in philanthropic capital and low-cost…
-
Partnering with McDonald's to Serve Up Change for Chicago's Youth
McDonald’s roots in Chicago date back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the city, the company is committed…
