Lisandra Lao, and How She’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Philanthropists
For 30 years, The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF) has empowered young adults to actively participate in philanthropy by interacting with…
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
-
-
Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Policy Reform
When the Trust decided to integrate policy change into our strategies, we did so recognizing that to achieve our mission of a thriving…
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago's Cultural Ecosystem
Chicago is one of the most influential cultural cities in the United States, known for its distinctive blend of architecture, visual arts, music,…
All Stories
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
An Intentional Approach to Impactful Philanthropy
At a young age, Mary Richardson-Lowry’s grandmother, a social worker and missionary, taught her that philanthropy can manifest in many ways. From providing meals to…
-
Good Advice for the Advisor
Susan Bart is an estate planning attorney and wealth advisor at ArentFox Schiff. When it comes to her own philanthropy, Bart’s approach is both strategic…
-
Immigrant Roots Inspire a Lifetime of Giving
Padma Venkatesan immigrated to the U.S. from India as a child. As her parents worked to build a life in a new country, Venkatesan often…
-
AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Asian Giving Circle
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Trust will be spotlighting AAPI leaders and AAPI-serving organizations that have contributed to the…
-
Accelerating Meaningful Change in Chicago: How the Trust Hopes to Work with the Johnson Administration
On May 15, Brandon Johnson will be inaugurated as the 57th Mayor of Chicago. As with any mayoral transition, this is an opportunity to press…
