Young Leaders Fund Awards $105,000 in its 2026 Grantmaking Cycle
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, has been paving the way for start-up nonprofits and the next generation…
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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Pride, Progress, and Purpose: A Conversation with Jennie Brier & Ray Crossman
Each June, Pride Month offers a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of LGBTQ communities. An important vehicle for that work…
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Protecting the Rights & Dignity of All: National Immigrant Justice Center
Founded in 1984, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) believes that immigrants’ rights are human rights, and that every individual deserves to be…
All Stories
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Advancing Equity: What is the Homeownership Gap?
Homeownership is one of the most important vehicles for building household wealth, creating a pathway for families to increase their economic security, and passing down…
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Wealth Building through Worker Cooperatives
As the recognition of the racial and ethnic wealth gap has grown, worker cooperatives have emerged as a promising strategy to close the gap. These…
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Coming Together for National Day of Racial Healing
When people talk about closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap, conversations tend to focus on reforming discriminatory policies and systems, as well as increasing…
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Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2022
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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In Memoriam: Charlotte Lindon
When Charlotte Lindon gave money to charities, there were strings attached. The strings were her heartstrings—her insistence on being involved in good works, on looking…
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Chicago’s Hyperlocal Media is a National Model for Resident-Informed News
Chicago has been experiencing a media resurgence. Thirty outlets have launched in the last 20 years—many smaller newsrooms focusing on hyperlocal news. Some outlets, including…
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Leveraging Federal Economic Recovery Funds for an Equitable and Inclusive Economic Recovery
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly three years ago, $4.5 trillion in federal funds have been appropriated for virus treatment and prevention, as well as…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast - Episode 9: Civic Engagement Through a Racial Equity Lens
Under the Trust’s Building Collective Power strategy, The Chicago Community Trust commissioned the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy at the University of…
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In This Season of Giving, Your Generosity Can Address the Most Pressing Needs in Our Region
The end of year is a time of reflection and giving back. While the needs are vast, we are highlighting two critical opportunities where your…
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Giving Smarter This Holiday Season
Amid a declining stock market, rising interest rates, and spiking inflation, many people may feel that they have less to give this holiday season. And…
