More Than a Paycheck: What It Takes to Get Ahead
Two days before my brother’s 10th birthday, my family was on the brink of bankruptcy. My parents’ small business hadn’t hit its growth…
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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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 27: Fueling Small Business Growth in Chicago
Small businesses are essential to stabilizing neighborhood economies. They create jobs, activate commercial corridors, and provide the goods and services that help communities…
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“Can I Invest in Community to Do Good?” Samuel Muñeton Jr. Shows Us How.
For Samuel Muñeton Jr., his philanthropy has come full circle. In his youth, Sam benefited directly from mentors and others in his community…
“Grantmaking” Stories
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Physical Spaces That Are Inspiring Possibility Across Chicago
“When you build beautiful spaces, you encourage people to do beautiful things,” said Caleb Herod, whose work at The Chicago Community Trust focuses on helping families…
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Rebuilding Chicago’s Corridors, One Small Business at a Time
Across many parts of Chicago, vibrant commercial corridors are key contributors to neighborhood vitality, providing jobs, essential goods and services, and places where communities gather.…
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Progress on the Trust’s Policy Priorities in the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session
As the Illinois General Assembly adjourned the spring 2026 legislative session on June 1st, the state closed out a consequential period marked by significant progress…
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Advancing Access to Health Care Across the Chicago Region
Across Illinois, a significant number of adults report delays in getting medical care—or going without it altogether—because of cost, difficulty accessing providers, and gaps in…
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Developing Leaders, Strengthening Communities
The Chicago Community Trust launched the Community & Civic Leadership funding program to support established leadership development programs and organizations with a proven track record…
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A Place to Stay, A Path to Stability
A home is more than bricks and mortar — it’s where we find safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. For many, owning a home…
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Making Big Ideas Real, Together
When it comes to solving complex challenges, what can philanthropy do? How do we build spaces where funders and nonprofit partners can dream, experiment, and…
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South and West Side Neighborhood Revitalization Starts with its Residents
Community development in neighborhoods that have long faced underinvestment begins with the people who know their communities best. On Chicago’s South and West sides, community-based…
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How Restricted Funds Can Support Chicago’s Creative Community
For many donors, a love of the arts is deeply personal, shaped by formative experiences in classrooms, concert halls, neighborhood theaters, and community centers. That…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call it home.…
