Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2025
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2008 at the height…
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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Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call…
All Stories
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Illinois’ Suburban Immigrants Find a Safe Anchor for Success
A drive down Main Street in Round Lake, Illinois, will explode stereotypes of the white-bread Midwest. Taqueria Gonzalez. Salon de Belleza. Yelis Bakery. A chiropractor…
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Bonus Season: Time to Consider a Donor Advised Fund
Spring is a time for rebirth, renewal—and bonuses! Bonus season is upon us, which means your clients are thinking about the impact of this year’s…
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Innovating at the Intersection of Health and Housing
More than 18,000 students attending Chicago Public Schools are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 67% of people experiencing homelessness are also living with a…
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U of IL Board Adds Disability Voice with Support from Advancing Leadership
Kareem Dale has built an impressive record of leadership in the private and public sectors. A director and senior counsel at Discover Financial Services, he…
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Jessica Bryar Legacy Fund
Jessica Bryar was a passionate advocate for children and families. As Chief in the Civil Division of the Cook County Public Defender’s office, Jessica represented…
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Investing in Chicago’s Opportunity Zone Communities
Opportunity Zones have been in the news and packing standing-room-only public hearings since the IRS and Treasury Department released the first set of proposed regulations…
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Closing the Employment Gap for Young Adults with Disabilities
For a person with a disability entering the workforce, the biggest challenge can be simply getting in the door. In the Chicago region, people with…
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A Roadmap to Economic Security for Chicago Families
Chicago is a thriving, world-class city—and yet, too many of our residents are struggling every day to make ends meet. Despite working and tight budgeting,…
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Unity Fund Grants - February 2019
At its February 2019 meeting, the Trust’s Executive Committee approved 15 grants, totaling $250,000, to local nonprofit organizations helping the most vulnerable people in our…
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Education and Economic Development Grants - February 2019
At its February 2019 meeting, the Trust’s Executive Committee approved seven competitive grants to local nonprofit organizations for projects in education and economic development, totaling…
