Young Leaders Fund Awards $105,000 in its 2026 Grantmaking Cycle
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, has been paving the way for start-up nonprofits and the next generation…
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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Pride, Progress, and Purpose: A Conversation with Jennie Brier & Ray Crossman
Each June, Pride Month offers a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of LGBTQ communities. An important vehicle for that work…
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Protecting the Rights & Dignity of All: National Immigrant Justice Center
Founded in 1984, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) believes that immigrants’ rights are human rights, and that every individual deserves to be…
All Stories
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 14: Building a Robust Local Media Landscape
In this episode of Trust Talks, we explore the current state of the media, how to reverse the decline in local news outlets, and the…
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From Latinx to Latine: How We Are Evolving Alongside Our Community
As a community foundation, listening and learning from our partners is critical to our work. This type of organizational reflection enables us to improve how we…
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How The Chicago Community Trust is Using Data to Drive Change
Businesses routinely use data analysis to make investment decisions and measure the results. More and more, philanthropic organizations are using the same data to help…
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Engaging Grassroots Organizations Are Essential for Large-Scale Impact
Have you ever encountered a situation that filled you with triumph, grace, and determination, or experienced someone’s passion in a way that reignited your own?…
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From the Archives: 1920 – YWCA of Chicago
The Trust has been committed to addressing pressing issues facing women and children in Chicago since early in our history. An example of this work…
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From the Archives: 1976 – George E. Johnson, Sr.
The Executive Committee of The Chicago Community Trust is made up of civic leaders from the Chicago region. They provide strategic counsel to ensure the…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Grants Support Housing, Health, and Mental Health in 2023
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an affinity fund of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Since its founding in 2010, the Fund…
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Building a Network of Diverse Developers
City environments are made up of buildings, transit stations, streets, parks, and other man-made structures. Also called the “built environment,” these systems shape our lives…
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Property Tax Sales Reform: What it Means & What’s Next
Public Act 103-0555, which reforms the Illinois Property Tax Sale system by closing loopholes that prevent blighted properties from redevelopment and allowing local governments to…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast - Episode 13: Planning for Equitable Neighborhood Development
In this episode of the Trust Talks podcast, we explore the role of planning in neighborhood development, current efforts to increase investment in Chicago neighborhoods,…
