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…
“Partnerships & Initiatives” Stories
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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 through a…
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"This Work Is Personal": A Q&A with Luis Roman on Identity, Advocacy and Community
Luis Roman didn’t plan to become a changemaker. But what began as a post-college internship focused on LGBTQ+ immigrant integration quickly evolved into a career…
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Dreaming Beyond the Boundaries: Jennifer Hodges Awarded Sixth Donald Stewart Fellowship
Jennifer Hodges is the co-founder and vice president of KIPP Chicago’s Whole Child Initiative, a program that supports students, teachers and families through a holistic…
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Feeding Change in Our Region
The Chicago Region Food System Fund is a group of funders and community partners working together to build a more resilient local food system while…
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Building Informed, Empowered Communities Through Press Forward Chicago
Communities flourish when they have access to reliable information. Chicago has a robust local news ecosystem, but many outlets face an uncertain future due to…
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Affinity Funds: Creating Impact Through Connection
Affinity funds allow donors with a common identity or interest to pool their giving and make a greater impact together. The Trust proudly hosts six affinity…
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Fund for Equitable Business Growth: A Unique Approach to Building a Successful Small Business Support Network
The Fund for Equitable Business Growth (FEBG) was founded on the principle that small business owners in underrepresented communities would be better served – and…
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Giving Insights: Supporting the Next Generation of Philanthropists
For many people, their first ideas about service and what it means to give back start at the kitchen table. “So much of what we…
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Creating a More Inclusive Future: A Q&A with Adam Ballard
The Disabilities Fund at The Chicago Community Trust is an affinity fund that supports organizations advancing disability inclusion, rights and justice. Recently, the Fund underwent…
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Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC)
The Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC) is a grantmaking collaborative that awards grants to nonprofit organizations working with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. IFC funding…
