2025 Illinois General Assembly Recap
I came to The Chicago Community Trust in March after spending years as chief of staff to Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. I…
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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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 19: Confronting Homeownership Barriers
While homeownership is often viewed as a pathway to building wealth, a range of challenges can hinder its effectiveness, particularly for specific groups.…
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Transforming the College Transfer Experience
In the Spring of 2006, my mother and I walked into a meeting with a public state university admissions counselor to discuss my…
“Donor Profile” Stories
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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…
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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…
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Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Kafi Moragne-Patterson
Kafi Moragne-Patterson is the Senior Program Director of College and Career Success at the UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab where she manages a complex portfolio of…
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Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Troy Boyd, Jr.
Troy Boyd, Jr. is the chief operating officer of Urban Prep Academies, educating young men in Chicago’s Bronzeville, Englewood, and Near West Side communities. A…
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
