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
-
-
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…
-
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
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 21: Navigating Solutions to Homelessness
Over the past decade, homelessness in the Chicago area has been on the rise, and the latest numbers are especially troubling. According to the City…
-
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 the rising…
-
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 part of…
-
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. A total…
-
Planting Seeds of Change
The front door creaks open as the late afternoon sun spills into a small apartment on Chicago’s West Side. Backpacks hit the floor. A child’s…
-
Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives. This model…
-
Bob Crawford’s Journey from Business Leader to Philanthropic Changemaker
Individual giving remains the driving force behind philanthropy in the United States. Even amid market uncertainty, giving increased by 3.3 percent in 2024 over the…
-
Young Leaders Fund Awards $100,000 in Community-Based Grants
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago through a…
-
A Young Leader's Vision for Collective Impact
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, this inspiring Q&A features Jacque Stefanic, a nonprofit founder, donor and community leader, as he shares his philanthropic journey.…
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 20: Advocating for Policy Reform
Although nonprofit organizations play a vital role in recognizing and addressing the needs of the community, research shows the percentage of nonprofits involved in advocacy…
