Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives.…
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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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…
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Young Leaders Fund Awards $100,000 in Community-Based Grants
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago…
“From the Archives” Stories
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From the Archives: 2002 – Asian Giving Circle
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate AAPI history, uplift the achievements of AAPI individuals, and raise awareness…
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From the Archives: 2015 – ADA 25 Chicago
December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day that advances awareness of issues faced by the disability community. In 2022, over 550,000…
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From the Archives: 1984 – Basic Human Needs Fund Established
Addressing the basic needs of residents has always been a fundamental part of the Trust’s work. As homelessness and food insecurity rise in Chicago, the…
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From the Archives: 1931 – Joint Emergency Relief Fund of Cook County
During our over 100-year history, The Chicago Community Trust has been dedicated to supporting the people of Chicago, especially during the most challenging economic times.…
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From the Archives: 2003 – The Beginnings of Nuestro Futuro
Latine culture is rooted in longstanding traditions of coming together to support families, neighbors, and communities. Latine households are significantly more likely than non-Latine households…
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From the Archives: 1966 – Gautreaux v. Chicago Housing Authority
Public housing in Chicago has a long and complicated history that has had a lasting impact on federal housing policy nationwide. In 1942, the first…
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From the Archives: 1987 – The Harris Theater
July 16, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Millennium Park, the top tourist destination in the Midwest. Within the famed park, the Harris Theater for…
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From the Archives: 1992 – Center on Halsted & The LGBTQ Community Fund
LGBTQ-serving organizations in Chicago have long been at the forefront of advocating for and addressing the ever-evolving needs of the city’s LGBTQ community. In 1985,…
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From the Archives: 1915 – Founding of The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust was established in 1915 and is the third-founded community foundation still in existence in the United States. Founded by American banker…
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From the Archives: 1989 – The Urbs in Horto Fund & The Chicago Botanic Garden
Green spaces within an urban environment help cool city temperatures, reduce traffic noise, provide a space for recreation, and have even been shown to increase…
