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…
All Stories
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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…
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Celebrating Ten Years of Teamwork for a More Resilient Chicago
Down a quiet side street at the western edge of Logan Square, a group of Chicago’s passionate philanthropists and dynamic nonprofit leaders gathered inside a…
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Discovering the Leader in Me
Evelyn Keolian is a librarian in the Chicago Public Library’s Assistive Resources Center. She is also the founder and chair of the library’s Diversability Advocacy…
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New Survey Reflects LGBTQ Community’s Needs, Resources and Resilience
“LGBTQ: What’s New?” This question began a fifteen-week quest to document the current needs, challenges and strengths of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. The LGBT Community Fund,…
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Ticketing Fine Reform Aims to Stop the Debt Spiral
For some people a parking ticket is an unexpected expense, an annoyance to resolve. But for low-income families struggling to make ends meet, a vehicle…
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Lifting Up Chicago’s LGBTQ+ ‘Advocates on the Ground’
Imagine a broad and diverse community where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals are able to live in peace and harmony. Enjoy the same rights…
