Listening, Learning and Leaning In

Trust’s refined strategic priorities reflect what we’ve learned and heard from our partners 

I came to the Trust a little over a year ago with two amazing opportunities. After a career in nonprofits and government, I had the chance to experience philanthropy from within. Also, I came here at a pivotal point in the Trust’s journey to refine our strategy. 

The Trust launched its strategic focus on closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap in 2019. At the time, the organization aimed to identify how it could most effectively use its history, reputation and relationships to positively impact the region. It was clear then, as it is now, that wealth inequity is the greatest threat to our region’s economic growth and prosperity. 

Research shows us that historically underinvested communities suffering from a lack of wealth equity are largely home to Chicago’s Black and Latine residents. Decade after decade of discriminatory policies and practices have prevented Black and Latine Chicagoans from building wealth at the same pace as white Chicagoans. 

Several years into the work, the Trust decided to assess what it had learned and determine the best way to move the needle forward. That process began with extensive research with staff, our executive committee, and nonprofit, corporate and government partners that led us to hone our priorities and set more precise goals.  

That’s where I came in. To ensure we were on the right track, we conducted listening sessions with grant partners and community residents on the South and West sides. We dug into data, literature and learnings from our grantmaking and changemaking activities. I also had follow-up meetings with local public and private stakeholders and other foundations around the country. Then, we honed our focus even more. 

As Chicago’s community foundation, our mission is to strengthen the Chicago area so that opportunity and prosperity are within reach for everyone who lives here. We believe growing household wealth for people living in underinvested and gentrifying neighborhoods is the best way to get there. To be as impactful as we can, we are prioritizing increased Black and Latine income and assets and increased Black and Latine homeownership and home equity. 

We also believe there are essential levers to help us achieve these goals. They are building community wealth, amplifying community voices, and advocating for policy reform. We also remain dedicated to addressing our residents’ most basic needs and responding to unexpected crises as they arise.  

For those who have been with us along the way, thank you. To new partners, welcome. We can’t do this without you.