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.…
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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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…
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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…
“Community Spotlight” Stories
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Supporting Community-Led Strategies for Vaccine Outreach
Addressing our communities’ most immediate needs has always been—and always will be—foundational to the Trust’s work. In 2021, one of our most urgent priorities was…
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A Roof over Our Neighbor's Heads and a Foundation for Their Future
When it comes to helping Black and Latinx families grow their household wealth, homeownership is a tool that matters. Experts estimate that if Black and…
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Elevating Diverse Media Voices to Strengthen Communities
Community media groups are vital to the people and places they serve. Whether it’s a treasured legacy newspaper or a weekly podcast, such outlets use…
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Listen. Learn. Reflect. Address: How Cultivate: Women of Color Leadership Encourages Movement Building
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Trust is featuring insights from philanthropists and leaders who are making a difference in the Chicago region. Be…
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Pursuing the Arts to Facilitate Social Conversations: Tonika Johnson Awarded Third Donald Stewart Fellowship
In celebration of Black History Month, the Trust is featuring insights from philanthropists and leaders who are making a difference in the Chicago region. Be…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) organizes with the community to eliminate health and wealth disparities in North Lawndale and worldwide. LCDC’s work is done by…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Latin United Community Housing Association
Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) has a mission to advance housing as a human right by empowering communities – particularly Latinx and Spanish-speaking populations…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their neighborhoods. They do this by educating…
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Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership: Chicago-Area Fair Housing Alliance
Chicago-Area Fair Housing Alliance (CAFHA) is a membership-based nonprofit working to combat housing discrimination and promote equitable place-based opportunity through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.…
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Building the Power to Change Policy with Chicago United for Equity
What will it take to make Chicago an even more powerful city? At Chicago United for Equity (CUE), which has received steady support from the…
