2025 Illinois General Assembly Recap
I came to The Chicago Community Trust in March after spending years as chief of staff to Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. I…
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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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 19: Confronting Homeownership Barriers
While homeownership is often viewed as a pathway to building wealth, a range of challenges can hinder its effectiveness, particularly for specific groups.…
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Transforming the College Transfer Experience
In the Spring of 2006, my mother and I walked into a meeting with a public state university admissions counselor to discuss my…
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2020: Coalitions for Equity in Wealth Policy Leverages Efforts to Address Inequity
No matter how you view this moment in our history, what is undeniable is that it is a moment of change. The calls for action…
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25 Years Young: Young Leaders Fund Chair and Founding Charter Members Reflect on Past, Present and Future
“A group of young adults wanted to invest in our greater community and work with peers to achieve this goal,” said Virginia F. Ojeda, a…
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Philanthropic Advisors Connect Donors' Passions with Region's Needs
Making a positive impact in your community may seem like a straightforward act, but people often struggle with identifying how to make a difference, especially during times…
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Shine Light On Society’s Inequitable Institutional Practices, Public Policies
A young George Floyd was said to have told a friend “I want to touch the world.” Little did he know that 30 years later,…
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Changemakers Network Building Trust, Muscle—and Power
What does it take for a group of strangers to build trust among one other when they can only gather virtually? How can philanthropy help…
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Why Community Media Matters
Just about 18 years ago, I received a call from Torey Malatia, a man many consider to be a true visionary of public radio. Malatia…
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This Moment in Time
A week ago, a family began mourning George Floyd. Described by friends and family as a “gentle giant,” he was killed in broad daylight by…
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Uniting Funders to Help Businesses of Color Grow and Thrive
When it comes to closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap, small businesses can be a force multiplier, helping people build wealth, creating jobs and…
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Creating a Sustainable Grain Hub
Illinois is known as a major producer of corn and soybeans for the world market. But if more grains like barley, wheat and oats were…
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Kim Kamin Creates Value in Connections
Born and raised in Chicago, Kim Kamin grew up seeing and hearing the Trust’s name all over the city in connection to the programs it…
