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…
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For Chicago Wealth Advisors, Field Trips Build Philanthropic Insight
Early one winter morning, a dozen wealth advisors gathered to learn about a program helping young people at risk of committing violent crimes to change…
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City Housing Plan to Tackle Challenges Fueled by Segregation
Last week, the City of Chicago approved its next Five-Year Housing Plan, One Chicago: Housing Strategies for a Thriving City—the sixth of its kind. Over…
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Lifeblood for Nonprofits: Why Donors Should Choose General Operating Support
As the year draws to an end, many donors are deciding how to make their final charitable gifts for 2018. No matter what cause they’re…
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What a Difference a Year Makes: ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Fellows for 2019
Emily Harris is a senior director at The Chicago Community Trust and serves as executive director for ADA 25 Advancing Leadership, an initiative to build…
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It’s Time: Advancing Economic Equity in Chicago
Since coming to Chicago and The Chicago Community Trust a little over a year ago, I have been spending a lot of time listening and…
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Empowering Communities by Raising Up Latina Leaders
At a rally outside the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago, an impassioned speaker in a purple t-shirt takes the mic. “We believe in a state…
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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…
