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
-
-
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…
-
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…
“Donor Profile” Stories
-
Larry Saret on Supporting What Matters to You
Larry Saret first met the Trust when he was a senior in high school. His father had passed away five years earlier, and he was…
-
Making Meaningful Difference: A Q&A with Philanthropist Laura Gutierrez
Giving back is part of who Laura Gutierrez is and how she chooses to show up in the world. What began as a high school…
-
Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Natashia Holmes
Natashia L. Holmes is the founder of McMillan Holmes LLC, a law firm specializing in real estate and property law. Prior to starting her firm,…
-
JPMorgan Chase Pursues A More Inclusive Chicago Economy
In 2020, JPMorgan Chase announced a $30 billion commitment to help address the racial wealth gap. This included $150 million in philanthropic capital and low-cost…
-
Partnering with McDonald's to Serve Up Change for Chicago's Youth
McDonald’s roots in Chicago date back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the city, the company is committed…
-
The Liebman Family: A Tradition of Thoughtful, Compassionate Giving
The Liebman family has spent decades quietly nourishing social, educational and economic causes in the Chicago region and beyond. For the Liebmans, philanthropy is a…
-
Michael Friedberg: Professional Advisor, Passionate Problem-Solver
Michael Friedberg thrives on solving problems. It’s a large part of why he finds his work as an attorney and advisor to high-net-worth individuals and…
-
Loann Honesty King: Co-Founder of African American Legacy, the Trust's First Affinity Fund
Early in her teaching career, Loann Honesty King realized the importance of getting to know more about her high school students and their life experiences…
-
AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Trang Truong-Hill
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Trust is spotlighting AAPI leaders and AAPI-serving organizations who are making a difference…
-
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…
