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…
“Donor Profile” Stories
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A Legacy of Community Engagement: How Marty Castro Expanded the Family Business of Giving
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Latinx philanthropists and leaders who are making…
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“We Don’t Have to Be Bystanders”: For Luis Arguello, Jr., Creating Change is a Personal and Professional Passion
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Latinx philanthropists and leaders who are making…
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Adela Cepeda on Using Her Voice to Chart a Path for Others
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Latinx philanthropists and leaders who are making…
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A Lifetime Commitment to “Doing Good in the World”
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 Family’s Commitment to Service
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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Graham Grady: Making Connections and Giving from the Heart
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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Disrupting the Cycle: James Reynolds, Jr.'s Commitment to His 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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Trust Helps Align Donors’ Giving with Their Values
During 2020, charitable giving rose five percent to a new all-time high, according to a recent report by Giving USA. Building on that momentum, the…
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A Family’s Commitment to Serving Those Most in Need
One of the greatest challenges of philanthropy is how to address the most critical needs, especially in tough economic times. In 1984, donor Kathleen Busse…
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Desirée Rogers Amplifies A Legacy
Raised by educator parents in New Orleans, Desirée Rogers recalls helping out at the daycare owned and operated by her mother and assisting her father…
