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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A Guiding Light for Latinx Philanthropy
On July 1, 2019, co-chair Adela Cepeda called to order a meeting of Nuestro Futuro, the nation’s largest Latinx philanthropic endowment. The steering committee meeting…
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The Euphoria of Giving: Liz Thompson Pays it Forward
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…
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How Illinois Cannabis Laws Aim to Reduce Violence and Restore Communities
Last month Illinois became the first state in the nation to pass a bill through its state legislature legalizing the purchase and adult use of…
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The 1915 Society: A Membership in the Region's Future
The 1915 Society is our way of expressing gratitude to our most generous and visionary donors. Named for the year that The Chicago Community Trust…
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Collective Giving in Chicago: Six Identity Funds that Amplify Impact
From giving circles to identity-focused funds, collective giving is on the rise. Collective giving is a philanthropic model in which donors pool resources, then decide…
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Why Endowment Funds Should Be Part of Your Charitable Conversations
When you think about the charitable planning tools available for philanthropic clients, donor advised funds, private foundations and split-interest trusts may be the first that…
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When the Solution Becomes the Problem: The Legacy of the 1919 Race Riots
On July 27th, our city marks 100 years since Eugene Williams, a young Black man, was killed after his raft drifted into an area of…
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Not Your Typical Corporate Sponsorship: Partnering for Disability Inclusion
Paulette Jagers is the head of strategic initiatives and leadership for BMO Financial Group. Paulette is a former board member of the Chicagoland Business Leadership…
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The Charitable Trends We’re Watching in a Complex Giving Climate
The Annual Report on Philanthropy released each June by Giving USA shares data on charitable giving in the U.S. The main takeaway from this year’s…
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A Daughter’s Legacy, A Lasting Impact for Chicago Children
If you are passionate about supporting a particular community or cause, one way you can be confident that your contributions will be used to address…
