Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives.…
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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Bob Crawford’s Journey from Business Leader to Philanthropic Changemaker
Individual giving remains the driving force behind philanthropy in the United States. Even amid market uncertainty, giving increased by 3.3 percent in 2024…
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Young Leaders Fund Awards $100,000 in Community-Based Grants
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago…
All Stories
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National Philanthropy Day: A Q&A with Sheila Cawley
Chief Philanthropy Officer Sheila Cawley joined the Trust in August with more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and previous leadership roles at Chicago…
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African American Legacy Awards $280,000 in 2023 Grants
African American Legacy (AAL), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is a philanthropic initiative led by African American civic and community leaders who share…
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Asian Giving Circle Awards Grants to Increase Community Wellbeing
The Asian Giving Circle (AGC), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, supports Asian and Pacific Islander-led nonprofits in the Chicago region through mutual aid…
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Diana Torres Hawken on the Importance of Seeing Yourself Reflected in Community
One can say that Diana Torres Hawken has come full circle. Her connection to The Chicago Community Trust began 16 years ago when she moved…
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2023 End-of-Year Charitable Giving: Important Dates & Deadlines for Gifts & Grants
The end of the year is approaching and we at The Chicago Community Trust are committed to making your year-end giving and grant making from…
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Flexible Funding Program: Strengthening Communities and People
When I was a kid, my parents made it a priority to expose my brother and me to as much of our cultural heritage as…
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Nuestro Futuro Awards $360,000 to 25 Organizations in Chicago Region Focused on Immigration and Early Childhood Initiatives
Nuestro Futuro (“Our Future”), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is the largest affinity fund in the nation dedicated to Latinx philanthropy. Since its…
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Leveraging Community-Based Media to Promote Equitable Homeownership
A Q&A with Lynnette McRae and Lauren Woods Black and Latinx Chicagoans face a myriad of challenges in accessing homeownership. These include a lack of…
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Making the Case for Nonprofit Policy Advocacy
As a Senate staffer on Capitol Hill in the early 2000s, I spent many hours meeting with people wanting to express their positions on issues…
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Leveraging Education, Quality Work Opportunities, and Financial Health to Increase Income for Workers of Color
Higher education is often viewed as a stepping stone for economic mobility and building long-term wealth. However, research shows that the high costs of student…
