Young Leaders Fund Awards $105,000 in its 2026 Grantmaking Cycle
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, has been paving the way for start-up nonprofits and the next generation…
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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Pride, Progress, and Purpose: A Conversation with Jennie Brier & Ray Crossman
Each June, Pride Month offers a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of LGBTQ communities. An important vehicle for that work…
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Protecting the Rights & Dignity of All: National Immigrant Justice Center
Founded in 1984, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) believes that immigrants’ rights are human rights, and that every individual deserves to be…
“From the Archives” Stories
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From the Archives: 1973 – James Brown IV & the Community Service Award
April marks National Volunteer Month, celebrating those who dedicate their time and resources to community service. Few in the Trust’s history embody volunteerism more than…
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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 experienced by…
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From the Archives: 1994 – The Origins of Young Leaders Fund
National Philanthropy Day, observed around the world on November 15th, celebrates the contributions of philanthropists of all backgrounds who dedicate their time, talents, and resources…
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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…
