Rebuilding Chicago’s Corridors, One Small Business at a Time
Across many parts of Chicago, vibrant commercial corridors are key contributors to neighborhood vitality, providing jobs, essential goods and services, and places where…
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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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…
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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…
All 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 is the…
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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 treated with…
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Feeding Today, Changing Tomorrow: Greater Chicago Food Depository
Many people know the Greater Chicago Food Depository, founded in 1979, as Chicago’s food bank. Last year alone, it partnered with more than 850 organizations…
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Turning Compassion into Action: New Life Centers
For more than 20 years, New Life Centers has partnered with communities on Chicago’s Southwest and West sides to respond to urgent needs with dignity…
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Committed to Community: The Resurrection Project
Born in Pilsen more than 35 years ago, The Resurrection Project (TRP) grew from a community’s vision for restored peace, safety and prosperity in the…
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Building Homes, Restoring Hope: Reclaiming Chicago
On Chicago’s South and West sides – largely home to the city’s Black and Latine communities – vacant lots and abandoned properties have long contributed…
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Power in Persistence: Austin Coming Together
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has been at the heart of Austin’s revitalization, driving change through collaboration, persistence, and a shared vision for a…
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A Place to Stay, A Path to Stability
A home is more than bricks and mortar — it’s where we find safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. For many, owning a home…
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Making Big Ideas Real, Together
When it comes to solving complex challenges, what can philanthropy do? How do we build spaces where funders and nonprofit partners can dream, experiment, and…
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Community Visions Brought to Life
In October 2025, we celebrated the culmination of We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery, a five-year initiative supporting resilience and revitalization in…
