Giving Insights: Giving Today for Tomorrow’s Needs

Last year, Americans gave a record $617 billion to U.S. charities, a 3% increase over the previous year, according to the latest Giving USA Foundation data. Notably, giving through bequests jumped nearly 17%, underscoring the impact that legacy gifts can have on the communities and causes you care about most.

For more than 100 years, generous individuals and families have partnered with the Trust to make caring for Chicago part of their legacy. These gifts continue to fuel our programmatic grantmaking to meet Chicagoans’ most critical needs and build a stronger region for all.

Donors who have included a gift to the Trust in their will or estate become members of our 1915 Society and are invited to convene for an annual celebration. This spring’s event featured WTTW television host and producer Geoffrey Baer, who shared a fascinating look at Chicago’s history and how it became the “first city of skyscrapers in the world.” The program served as a reminder of the city’s legacy of resilience and innovation—it has always been shaped by people with vision, generosity, and a belief in what’s possible.

1915 Society Member Anne Blanton also spoke at the event, sharing her long experience at the Trust—first as a board member of a nonprofit organization supported by the Trust, then as a Trust staff member serving as executive vice president, and now as a donor.

“I have a living trust and have named The Chicago Community Trust as a beneficiary. I have total confidence that my wishes will be honored in a way that meets the needs of our community,” she said.

Blanton shared that she has identified education and child development as issues her gift will support. She remains actively involved with the Trust, noting that her Philanthropic Advisor recently shared several organizations working in these areas that were new to her.

“That is the benefit of partnering with a community foundation that knows the region so well. By the time the Trust receives my gift—hopefully many years from now—there will be new organizations and approaches to these issues,” Blanton said.

“I am confident that with the Trust’s expertise and stewardship, my contribution will be part of an effective giving strategy for the benefit of our community.”