What Illinois Data Reveals about Promising College and Career Pathways
For more than a decade, a deceptively simple question has shaped conversations about economic mobility: Is college still worth it? Skepticism about a…
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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Building Housing Stability in Chicago: What We’re Learning and Funding
A new report from Housing Action Illinois and the National Low Income Housing Coalition finds our region is short 225,000 affordable rental units…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 25: Transforming College Transfer Pathways in Illinois
In Illinois, nearly 80 percent of community college students say they plan to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree, yet only about 35…
All Stories
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
