Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2025
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2008 at the height…
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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Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call…
All Stories
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Pride Month Spotlight: Howard Brown Health
To celebrate Pride Month, the Trust will be spotlighting LGBTQ-serving organizations that contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive community by responding to the most…
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Pride Month Spotlight: Bernard Bartilad
To celebrate Pride Month, the Trust will be spotlighting LGBTQ-serving individuals and organizations that contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive community by responding to…
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Stories of Impact 2022: Bridges to Brighter Futures | The Student Tech Equity Fund
Computers and internet access are today’s equivalent of pen and paper. But the digital divide has increased barriers to education, threatening our region’s economic competitiveness.…
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Stories of Impact 2022: 211 Metro Chicago
Chicagoans facing difficult situations now have a dedicated resource to contact for help. Launched in January 2023, 211 Metro Chicago is a free helpline connecting…
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Stories of Impact 2022: Direct Cash Assistance
Direct cash assistance is the practice of giving money directly to people in need. This can take many forms, including transfers of cash from nonprofits…
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Connecting Community Through Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
Proximity to reliable transit makes a big difference for the well-being of people and communities — physically, socially, and economically. Good policies and leadership can…
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Advancing Homeownership as a Tool for Wealth Building
More than a roof over heads, homeownership is a critical tool for helping families increase their financial security, build wealth, and pass it down to…
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Stories of Impact 2022: We Rise Together
In the wake of the pandemic and the inequities it exposed, the philanthropic community has the chance to make transformational investments to strengthen long-disinvested communities…
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A Leading Global Company Commits to Creating Job Opportunities for Chicago’s Youth
PepsiCo’s history in Chicago goes back nearly 100 years. Today, its operations in the region include Frito-Lay, PepsiCo Beverages North America, Quaker Oats, and Gatorade…
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A Young Donor Rooted in Place
Morgan Olenski grew up in a world that’s more connected than ever before. Yet, this young philanthropist is constantly asking herself what she can do…
