As 2025 Winds Down...
A Note from Our CEO As 2025 winds down and we gather for holiday celebrations, I’ve been reflecting with friends and colleagues on…
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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Turning Houses into Homes: The Impact of 3C’s First Three Years
Launched in April of 2022 as a three-year program, Connecting Capital and Community (3C) Chicago is a collaborative effort between lenders, developers, and…
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Trusted Voices: Addressing Hunger in Chicago
Families throughout Chicago are struggling to put food on their tables. Rising grocery and housing costs continue to strain household budgets, and pending…
All Stories
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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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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…
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10 Years of the LGBTQ Community Fund
2020 marked the 10th anniversary of the LGBTQ Community Fund (the Fund) at The Chicago Community Trust, and 2021 marked the beginning of the Fund’s…
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A Roof over Our Neighbor's Heads and a Foundation for Their Future
When it comes to helping Black and Latinx families grow their household wealth, homeownership is a tool that matters. Experts estimate that if Black and…
