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…
“Philanthropy & Giving” Stories
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The Amplification Fund: Engaging and Immersing Donors in Trust Grantmaking
Last summer, Program Manager Caleb Herod and former Senior Director of Gift Planning Tim Bresnahan met over a cup of coffee to brainstorm new opportunities…
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CDFIs Bring Development to Disinvested Communities
In order for communities to thrive, they must have access to financial services and investment capital that spur economic development. However, nationally and in Chicago,…
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2023 Annual Report: In Memoriam
JOHN H. “JACK” CATLIN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER Jack Catlin was a disability rights pioneer whose tireless advocacy improved the lives of thousands of people with…
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Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2023
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the community spirit of the Chicago region and the power of collective giving. Since its…
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Caring for Our Neighbors Through Crisis
In 2008, at the height of the Great Recession, the Trust launched Unity Fund to pool contributions from donors to help frontline organizations meet the…
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Planning Ahead: Tracking Changes That May Impact Your Giving in 2024 and Beyond
With the start of the new year, it’s important to keep an eye on how upcoming tax law changes and rising interest rates may impact…
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Giving Season 2023: How You Can Support the Chicago Region
Learn about two ways you can support the Chicago region and consider giving to the following initiatives this giving season: Unity Fund Unity Fund serves…
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2023 End-of-Year Charitable Giving: Important Dates & Deadlines for Gifts & Grants
The end of the year is approaching and we at The Chicago Community Trust are committed to making your year-end giving and grant making from…
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Finding the Right Fit for Your Philanthropy
Every day, people from all walks of life participate in philanthropy, giving money or time to effect change in their own community or far beyond.…
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Giving Without Recognition: How Anonymous Donors Are Helping the Trust Make an Impact
Individuals and families have turned to The Chicago Community Trust for decades to make their philanthropic dreams a reality. From impact investing to field of…
