Progress on the Trust’s Policy Priorities in the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session
As the Illinois General Assembly adjourned the spring 2026 legislative session on June 1st, the state closed out a consequential period marked by…
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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A Stronger Start for Illinois Families
A friend recently confided in me — something they felt nervous to share —that they had once relied on monthly cash support from…
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Advancing Access to Health Care Across the Chicago Region
Across Illinois, a significant number of adults report delays in getting medical care—or going without it altogether—because of cost, difficulty accessing providers, and…
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The Quiet and Patient Leader: Frank Loomis
Relief was the goal of early 20th century philanthropy. An annual report at the time described the Trust’s involvement as “community-wide humanitarian work” for residents…
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How One Man Revolutionized Market Research and Philanthropy
Great success in marketing research enabled Arthur C. Nielsen to pursue his philanthropic interests. By rethinking the practices of audience monitoring and measurement more scientifically,…
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Trust's First Social Survey Reflected Turmoil in Chicago
In the 1920s, “Americanization” was the catch-all phrase used to describe efforts to assimilate immigrants into the American way of life, narrowly defined by the…
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A Coal Magnate’s Charitable Legacy: More Transparent Foundations
As chair of the Sahara Coal Company and trustee of the Woods Charitable Fund, Inc., Frank H. Woods combined his business interests with his philanthropic…
