Young Leaders Fund Awards $105,000 in its 2026 Grantmaking Cycle
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, has been paving the way for start-up nonprofits and the next generation…
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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Pride, Progress, and Purpose: A Conversation with Jennie Brier & Ray Crossman
Each June, Pride Month offers a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of LGBTQ communities. An important vehicle for that work…
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Protecting the Rights & Dignity of All: National Immigrant Justice Center
Founded in 1984, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) believes that immigrants’ rights are human rights, and that every individual deserves to be…
All Stories
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Danielle Fregia, One of Chicago’s Young Professionals Giving Back to Her Community
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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Building Economic Resilience for Families: A Dialogue on Cash Assistance
In 2019, the Chicago Resilient Cities Task Force released a report laying out a roadmap to increase economic stability for struggling Chicago families—nearly half of…
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Trends in Charitable Giving – What 2019 Data Tells Us About Now
In June, Giving USA released The Annual Report on Philanthropy, the most influential publication on charitable giving in the United States. The big headline is that in…
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Trust Grants $2 Million to Address Critical Needs
Building Pathway to Stability Program Funds 40 Nonprofits Across the Region The Chicago Community Trust recently announced $2 million in general operating grants to 40…
