Making Great Things Happen by Connecting People to Purpose

Over my three decades in philanthropy, I have learned so much from donors and nonprofit leaders about generosity and commitment. A theme that continues to emerge as the driving force for donors is “connection.”  

When we connect with people, magic happens. We understand them better. We share a vision of hope, and we make great things happen.  

This connection is central to our sense of optimism about the future and ensuring that our communities thrive. But sometimes it is hard to find the right connection to an individual or organization, or to even know where to begin. The Chicago Community Trust can help.  

Chicago is the home of a remarkable philanthropic legacy. We are known for our understated generosity and our midwestern practicality – and we want to maximize our personal giving in the service of others. The Trust has been part of that legacy for over a century, and we are grateful to be the connector for so many people, past, present and future.  

We believe that all donors want to make an impact with their philanthropy – and we help them navigate the vast nonprofit landscape. We also bring innovative ideas to our donors and provide them with options for their giving. Innovation and individual care are the heart of our work.   

The Trust’s philanthropic advisors help donors sharpen their goals, connect with issue experts, and zero in on a giving strategy that aligns with their values. For example, donors often come to us with a desire to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. We are able to connect them to the Fund for Equitable Business Growth, a collaborative effort between the Trust, several other foundations, donor advised funds, and JPMorgan Chase to support businesses in Chicago communities that have experienced decades of disinvestment.  

In some cases, donors come to the Trust with a specific interest area in mind, and then through their relationship with the Trust – by attending events or meeting with other donors—their interests and approaches evolve. As a community foundation, we have the resources and philanthropic expertise to bring the right people together and help make big things happen. 

This is where the Trust plays a powerful role – by connecting donors to opportunities to make an impact in the Chicago region. It is what we do best.