Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives.…
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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Bob Crawford’s Journey from Business Leader to Philanthropic Changemaker
Individual giving remains the driving force behind philanthropy in the United States. Even amid market uncertainty, giving increased by 3.3 percent in 2024…
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Young Leaders Fund Awards $100,000 in Community-Based Grants
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago…
“Experts & Opinions” Stories
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Engaging Grassroots Organizations Are Essential for Large-Scale Impact
Have you ever encountered a situation that filled you with triumph, grace, and determination, or experienced someone’s passion in a way that reignited your own?…
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Property Tax Sales Reform: What it Means & What’s Next
Public Act 103-0555, which reforms the Illinois Property Tax Sale system by closing loopholes that prevent blighted properties from redevelopment and allowing local governments to…
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On Community Impact: A Q&A with Marisa Novara
Community Foundation Week (November 12-18) is an annual, national campaign celebrating the role local philanthropy plays in empowering positive social and economic community change. In this Q&A,…
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National Philanthropy Day: A Q&A with Sheila Cawley
Chief Philanthropy Officer Sheila Cawley joined the Trust in August with more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and previous leadership roles at Chicago…
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Flexible Funding Program: Strengthening Communities and People
When I was a kid, my parents made it a priority to expose my brother and me to as much of our cultural heritage as…
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Making the Case for Nonprofit Policy Advocacy
As a Senate staffer on Capitol Hill in the early 2000s, I spent many hours meeting with people wanting to express their positions on issues…
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Confronting the Homeownership Gap with New Pathways to Opportunity
*Based on supplemental analysis of data collected from the Financial Health Pulse® Chicago 2022 Report. For more information, contact learning@cct.org. The homeownership gap continues to…
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Building Pathways to Stability Through Increased Access to Essential Services
The Chicago Community Trust’s Addressing Critical Needs team recognizes that people cannot reach their full potential when basic human needs are not met, whether that…
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The Chicago Community Trust: Providing Help During Uncertain Times
Charitable giving in America was down last year, but do the numbers tell the whole story? And how can donors respond to the changing charitable…
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Now is the Time: Review the Fine Print of Your Estate Plan
Given recent market and economic volatility, you may be reevaluating your charitable giving approach. While you consider your short-term strategy, this is also the perfect…
