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,…
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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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…
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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…
“Partnerships & Initiatives” Stories
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A Coalition of Funders Launches Press Forward Chicago With $1.6 Million in Grants to 13 Journalism Projects
Our democracy depends on a thriving free press, serving as a source of information and a voice for communities. Yet, the news media today is…
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The Proof Is in the Partnership
Across the Midwest, small farms and food producers have promising ideas for products and growing methods that could help feed our region and build the…
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Why We Rise Together Is Launching the Together Fund
What we believed when We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery launched in October 2020 has proven to be true: The people who…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Grants Support Housing, Health, and Mental Health in 2023
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an affinity fund of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Since its founding in 2010, the Fund…
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Young Leaders Fund Awards $69,000 in 2023 Grants to Small, Start-Up Nonprofits
The Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference, empowering them…
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African American Legacy Awards $280,000 in 2023 Grants
African American Legacy (AAL), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is a philanthropic initiative led by African American civic and community leaders who share…
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Asian Giving Circle Awards Grants to Increase Community Wellbeing
The Asian Giving Circle (AGC), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, supports Asian and Pacific Islander-led nonprofits in the Chicago region through mutual aid…
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Nuestro Futuro Awards $360,000 to 25 Organizations in Chicago Region Focused on Immigration and Early Childhood Initiatives
Nuestro Futuro (“Our Future”), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is the largest affinity fund in the nation dedicated to Latinx philanthropy. Since its…
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Leveraging Community-Based Media to Promote Equitable Homeownership
A Q&A with Lynnette McRae and Lauren Woods Black and Latinx Chicagoans face a myriad of challenges in accessing homeownership. These include a lack of…
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Fueling Potential with Philanthropy: We Rise Together
When the new North Austin Center opened on Chicago’s West Side in February of this year, Santiago Navarro registered his son, Julian, for By the…
