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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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…
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Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting: How You Can Show #LoveIsStronger
On October 27, a gunman opened fire in the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, killing 11 and wounding 6 in…
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Housing Plus Health Adds Up to More Thriving Communities
Decent, affordable housing is a basic building block of community, playing an essential role in achieving positive outcomes for individuals and families. And while shelter…
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LGBTQ Community Survey to Guide Services & Support Across Chicago
On October 17, Morten Group, in partnership with The LGBT Community Fund of The Chicago Community Trust, launched the 2018 Chicago LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment…
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Unity Fund: 10 Years of Reinventing Our Region Together
In 2008, The Chicago Community Trust created the Unity Fund in response to the worst recession in Chicago since the Great Depression. The Unity Fund pools contributions…
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Leadership: The Power is Within Us
Grishma Shah is a mass media consultant, artist and co-director of the Chicago ReelAbilities Film Festival. This year her exhibit, The South Asian Perspective, has…
