Feeding Change in Our Region
The Chicago Region Food System Fund is a group of funders and community partners working together to build a more resilient local food…
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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Cultivating a Bright Future in Little Village
Little Village, or La Villita, has a long history of welcoming immigrant communities, starting with the German, Czech and Polish residents who flocked…
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Boosting Impact: The Amplification Fund
The Amplification Fund is an opportunity for donors to participate directly in the Trust’s grantmaking and join a community of philanthropists with similar…
All Stories
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Cynthia Plouché on Using Her Voice to Level the Playing Field
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month in August, the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Black philanthropists making their impact across the Chicago…
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A Departing Supporting Organization Helps Two Affinity Funds with Special Grant Cycles
When deciding to take its philanthropy in a new direction last year, the Glasser Rosenthal Family Foundation (GRFF), a supporting organization at The Chicago Community…
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The 1915 Society: A Q&A with Helene Gayle
As she prepares for her next chapter as President of Spelman College, Helene Gayle reflects on her own legacy at the Trust, her hopes for…
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Partnering for Lasting Impact
The Trust’s Gift Planning team provides expert counsel on structuring giving plans that meet our donors unique financial and philanthropic goals. Tim Bresnahan, senior director…
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Q&A: Open Call for Ideas – Advancing Policy
The Trust launched the Open Call for Ideas – Advancing Policy in May 2021 as a vehicle to source and fund new policy and advocacy…
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2022: Coalitions for Equity in Wealth Policy Grant Recipients Leading the Charge in Major Policy Wins
Now in its third year, the Coalitions for Equity in Wealth Policy funding program supports organizations engaged in coalitions advocating for systems and policy change…
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‘Reparations’ Is Another Word for Investing in America’s Future
This opinion piece was originally published in the Chicago Tribune on June 14, 2022. The new Juneteenth federal holiday celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people…
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3C Helps Communities Unlock Innovation in Affordable Housing
Homeownership is the single largest source of household wealth in the Chicago region, and it also plays an important role in building flourishing neighborhoods. However,…
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The Fund for Equitable Business Growth – Bursting the Bubble
I was raised in the affluent 5 Towns community on the south shore of Long Island. We were what my parents called “comfortable.” Mom and…
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Welcoming Chicago’s Newest Neighbors
Recently I was in New York City on a family vacation. During this trip, my 10-year-old daughter’s must-see list included the Statue of Liberty. Many…
