Giving Insights: Giving Today for Tomorrow’s Needs
Last year, Americans gave a record $617 billion to U.S. charities, a 3% increase over the previous year, according to the latest Giving…
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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Trusted Voices: Seeing Impact in Action
In May, Trust partners and supporters had a unique opportunity to witness the impact of expanded homeownership on Chicago neighborhoods. We started the…
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Rebuilding Chicago’s Corridors, One Small Business at a Time
Across many parts of Chicago, vibrant commercial corridors are key contributors to neighborhood vitality, providing jobs, essential goods and services, and places where…
All Stories
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Pre-Development Grants Available to Community-Based Developers
When people gather for the ribbon cutting at the neighborhood’s new grocery store, community center, or manufacturing facility, their excitement is justified. For the community…
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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…
