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…
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Transforming Our Region: How Racial Healing Is Part of the Journey
How does transformation happen in a city like Chicago? A city where a third of Black households and a quarter of Latinx households have zero…
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Positive Social Impact + Financial Return
Historically, The Chicago Community Trust has focused on placing grant money in the hands of nonprofit organizations to do good in our region and beyond.…
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Trust Expertise Ensures Donors Make a Difference
As a community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust not only serves our communities’ needs, but also depends upon local philanthropists to work together to meet…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast - Episode 5: Making Philanthropy Your Own
In this episode of the Trust Talks podcast, Kristin Carlson Vogen, Senior Director of Philanthropic Services, explores how the Trust helps donors make philanthropy their own.…
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Year-End Gifts to the Unity Fund Help Meet the Region’s Immediate Needs
Respond Now works to prevent hunger and homelessness in the south suburbs. The Harbour offers safe, stable housing to young mothers and their children. Erie…
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A Passion for Art and Philanthropy Brings Joy to Generations
For more than a decade, The Art Institute of Chicago has been decking the tiny halls of its Thorne Miniature Rooms for the holidays. As you’re…
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Giving Season 2021: 3 Ways You Can Support the Chicago Region
Giving season is upon us, and we at The Chicago Community Trust are here to offer you the following three options to support the Chicago…
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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…
