Lisandra Lao, and How She’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Philanthropists
For 30 years, The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF) has empowered young adults to actively participate in philanthropy by interacting with…
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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Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Policy Reform
When the Trust decided to integrate policy change into our strategies, we did so recognizing that to achieve our mission of a thriving…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago's Cultural Ecosystem
Chicago is one of the most influential cultural cities in the United States, known for its distinctive blend of architecture, visual arts, music,…
“Philanthropy & Giving” Stories
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Giving Insights: Planning for 2025
We offer some ideas and approaches to consider as you make your giving plans for the year. The Trust’s philanthropic and gift planning experts are…
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Giving Season 2024: How You Can Support the Chicago Region
As our region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust serves as a platform for change, connecting philanthropy to impactful outcomes. Throughout the year, the Trust unites generous donors,…
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2024 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 grantmaking from your…
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From Giving USA to Illinois Gives: How to Ensure Lasting Impact in a Changing Charitable Environment
In 2023 Americans gave $557.16 billion to charities—the highest dollar amount on record. While a staggering total, it represents a 2.1% decline over the previous…
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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…
