From the Archives: 1973 – James Brown IV & the Community Service Award
April marks National Volunteer Month, celebrating those who dedicate their time and resources to community service. Few in the Trust’s history embody volunteerism…
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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Nuestro Futuro Awards $250,000 in 2025 End-of-Year Rapid Response Grantmaking
Nuestro Futuro, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, elevates Latine philanthropy to support Chicago-area organizations and programs aimed at improving the quality…
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Lisandra Lao, and How She’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Philanthropists
For 30 years, The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF) has empowered young adults to actively participate in philanthropy by interacting with…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 22: Reimagining Development Through Shared Ownership
As Chicago neighborhoods continue to expand with newly built businesses and homes, new opportunities emerge for residents to shape their communities. Yet, traditional development often…
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From the Archives: 1994 – The Origins of Young Leaders Fund
National Philanthropy Day, observed around the world on November 15th, celebrates the contributions of philanthropists of all backgrounds who dedicate their time, talents, and resources…
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2025 End-of-Year Charitable Giving: Important Dates & Deadlines for Gifts & Grants
The end of the year is approaching and we at The Chicago Community Trust are committed to making your year-end giving and grantmaking from your…
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Neighborhood Development Champions Support a Strong Pipeline of Community-Led Projects
For the Chicago region to thrive, all communities must prosper. Disinvestment in the South and West Sides has limited wealth-building and harmed neighborhood wellbeing. These…
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Joshua Moreno: On Philanthropy & Showing Up for Others
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of the Latine communities in Chicago and across the country. As The…
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Rooted in Care: Community Partners Are Charting Paths to Housing Stability
Housing instability can significantly impact a person’s health and economic outcomes, including physical, mental and behavioral well-being. Stable housing provides a foundation not only for…
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Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC)
The Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC) is a grantmakers collaborative that awards funds to nonprofit organizations serving immigrants and refugees. IFC funding prioritizes three areas:…
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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…
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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…
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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 part of…
