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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How the Public Charge Rule Could Endanger Illinois Families
On October 10, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed new rule that would change who is considered a “public charge”—and could radically…
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Designing a Space Where Chicago’s Youth Live Safely – and Authentically
On a quiet corner in Greater Grand Crossing, a former church daycare center is being transformed in both structure and purpose. By spring 2019, after…
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How Small Arts Nonprofits Lead Neighborhoods Forward
Across the city of Chicago, small arts and culture organizations serve as vital neighborhood assets—responding to local needs ranging far beyond the arts. That’s according…
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West Englewood Tells Complex Truths about Health, Race and Violence
“If we’re constantly slammed with these images, we will be looking over our shoulders rather than reaching out to each other.” Englewood is often depicted…
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California Wildfires: How You Can Help
A series of deadly wildfires is raging across California, forcing the evacuation of entire communities as businesses, homes and lives are lost. Now the deadliest…
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Hermosa’s Health Challenges Highlight Wellness Barriers for Immigrants
“A lot of moms can’t get the nutrition they need.” Tucked into Chicago’s northwest side, Hermosa—“beautiful” in Spanish—is aptly named for its scenic residential blocks.…
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To Fight Food Insecurity, Chicago Leaders Work Across Divides
One out of seven residents faces food insecurity in the Chicago region. That means making impossible choices: Buy food, or buy medication. Travel to work,…
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Donor Advised Funds: Why Now Is the Time
Chances are, you have at least one client who has put off charitable planning so far this year. Maybe they were too busy with work…
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As Tax Benefits of Giving Decline, Gift Bunching Offers a Boost
As we enter the busiest time of the giving season, many of us will be revisiting the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and…
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A Generous Gift – Made Smarter – Builds Housing for Homeless Women
On any given night, an estimated 2,000 women unaccompanied by children or families are homeless in Chicago. For forty years, Sarah’s Circle has been providing…
