Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2025
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2008 at the height…
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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Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call…
All Stories
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Legacy in Action: A Fund for the Future of Chicago’s Green Spaces
Donors who have named The Chicago Community Trust as a beneficiary in their wills and trusts have made a lasting mark on the region for…
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"To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required": Connie Lindsey on Her Passion for Giving Back
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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Centering Community Experts and Voices are Essential to Violence Prevention Strategies
I want to honor everyday Chicagoans making changes where they call home. The ones who roll up their sleeves in the face of adversity when…
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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…
