The Power of Collective Advocacy & Collaboration
In communities across Illinois, families work hard to build stable lives, but the systems meant to support them often fall short. Whether it’s…
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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We’re Stronger Together
Since joining The Chicago Community Trust three years ago, I’ve been thinking about ways to ensure those most affected by our decisions are…
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Disabilities Fund Awards Over $355,000 in Community-Based Grants
Disabilities Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, recently restructured and piloted their first ever open call Request for Proposals (RFP) grant process.…
All Stories
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Charitable Gifts to Make by December 31 – Before the Tax Benefits Disappear
An estimated 30 percent of all charitable giving occurs just in the month of December. This annual tide of generosity is critically important to organizations…
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The Importance of a City Ward Remapping Process that is Transparent, Incorporates Community Voice, and Strengthens Resident Representation
As part of the Trust’s Building Collective Power and Advocating for Policy Change teams, I often reflect on different strategies to actively engage and uplift…
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2021 End-of-Year Charitable Giving: Important Dates and Deadlines
The end of the year is fast approaching and we at The Chicago Community Trust are committed to making your year-end giving as simple and…
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Make CTC/EITC Improvements Permanent: Sound Economic Policy with Far Reaching Impacts
There’s a political game playing out in Washington, and the stakes could not be higher. Will the debt ceiling be raised? Will major infrastructure legislation…
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"Collaborative Fund" is a New Source of Capital for Groups Advancing Neighborhood Investment
In 2020, the Trust’s Catalyzing Neighborhood Investment team launched the Flexible Funding Program. The program supports and builds the capacity of organizations to engage with community partnerships,…
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2021 Q4 Grants Highlight Trust’s Dual Focus on Wealth Gap and Pandemic Recovery
Throughout The Chicago Community Trust’s 2021 fiscal year—October 2020 to September 2021, including 347 discretionary grants totaling $29.1 million—COVID-19 remained a persistent challenge.* The year’s…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) organizes with the community to eliminate health and wealth disparities in North Lawndale and worldwide. LCDC’s work is done by…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Latin United Community Housing Association
Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) has a mission to advance housing as a human right by empowering communities – particularly Latinx and Spanish-speaking populations…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their neighborhoods. They do this by educating…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Chicago-Area Fair Housing Alliance
Chicago-Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA) is a membership-based nonprofit working to combat housing discrimination and promote equitable place-based opportunity through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.…
