Giving Insights: Caring for Chicago Over Generations

Narcissa Niblack Thorne is best known as the creator of the beloved Thorne Miniature Rooms—68 of which are housed at the Art Institute of Chicago and remain one of the museum’s most popular permanent collections.

In addition to being a gifted artist, Narcissa Thorne was a prominent Chicago philanthropist who partnered with the Trust to ensure her generosity and cultural contributions to the city would live on. The Trust provides financial support for the Thorne Miniature Rooms’ upkeep while also honoring Narcissa Thorne’s commitment to organizations that serve children in need.

The Trust’s relationship with the Thorne family has continued. Son Ward Thorne established a trust at JPMorgan Chase that, following his death, directed regular distributions to The Chicago Community Trust to further our work and support for Chicago.

The Trust recently collaborated with Ward Thorne’s trustee to direct funds to the Transfer Innovation Impact Model (TIIIM), an initiative that brings two- and four-year institutions in Chicago together to redesign the college transfer experience so that more students can successfully complete a bachelor’s degree. TIIM is a collaboration of the Trust and Kinship Foundation and is funded by the Searle Funds at the Trust.

A relationship with the Thorne family that began more than half a century ago is now helping today’s community college students access opportunities to build strong careers and livelihoods.

The Trust is always here to help you make your greatest impact. We can assist with establishing a legacy gift that meets our community’s needs long into the future. Contact donorservices@cct.org.