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
-
Doris Salomón and Angel Gutierrez on Lifting the Voices of the Latinx Community through Philanthropy
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Latinx philanthropists and leaders who are making…
-
Connecting Philanthropy to Impact Q&A
The Chicago Community Trust’s 10-year strategy to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region aims to grow household wealth, catalyze neighborhood…
-
Better Together: Trust and Innovation 80 Elevate Arts Funding
When Arnie and Carol Kanter first set out to create a fund supporting small to mid-sized arts organizations, they didn’t necessarily intend to be “radical.”…
-
Pre-Development Grants Available to Community-Based Developers
When people gather for the ribbon cutting at the neighborhood’s new grocery store, community center, or manufacturing facility, their excitement is justified. For the community…
-
A Tribute to a 'Beautiful Soul': How the LGBT Community Fund Honored a Donor Family with a Memorial Grant
Cindee and Bill Dietz want to make a difference in the world, and their long-time philanthropy is a reflection of those values. Whether giving back…
-
The New Flexible Funding Program Supports and Accelerates Community-Driven Investment
The Chicago Community Trust granted $1.2 million to community-driven investment-focused organizations to move forward on neighborhood opportunities that attract capital and leverage resources. We are…
-
Mary B. Richardson-Lowry on Rising to the Moment Through Philanthropy
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Black philanthropists making their impact across the Chicago region. This…
-
Darryl Rodgers Answers the Call to Serve
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Black philanthropists making their impact across the Chicago region. This…
-
A Great Pairing: Charitable Lead Trusts and The Chicago Community Trust
In the current economic environment, many professional advisors are recommending charitable lead annuity trusts (“CLATs”) to their clients. With a lead trust, a client gives…
-
United in Closing the Wealth Gap
From payday loans that charge up to 400 percent interest rates to steep fines and fees on missed utility bill payments, many hurdles exist for…
