The Power of Collective Advocacy & Collaboration
In communities across Illinois, families work hard to build stable lives, but the systems meant to support them often fall short. Whether it’s…
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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We’re Stronger Together
Since joining The Chicago Community Trust three years ago, I’ve been thinking about ways to ensure those most affected by our decisions are…
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Disabilities Fund Awards Over $355,000 in Community-Based Grants
Disabilities Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, recently restructured and piloted their first ever open call Request for Proposals (RFP) grant process.…
“Grantmaking” Stories
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Strengthening Banks’ Impact on Closing the Wealth Gap
A “profound” federal rule enacted more than 40 years ago to ensure financial institutions invest in and build wealth in the communities they serve is being rethought—and we…
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14 Grant Recipient Partnerships Expected to Reach over 1,000 Entrepreneurs in the Chicagoland Region
The Fund for Equitable Business Growth is a multi-funder collaborative designed to support partnerships between Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in the region that provide coordinated, accessible,…
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Beyond Food, Trust-Funded Organizations Working to End Hunger in Our Region
During the holiday season, many people think about those who are going hungry and deliver food to pantries and soup kitchens in their communities. This…
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2020 Grant Making: The Chicago Community Trust
In Fiscal Year 2020, The Chicago Community Trust made 293 discretionary grants totaling $20,477,287. Following are some highlights of how this year’s grant making embraced…
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Pre-Development Grants Available to Community-Based Developers
When people gather for the ribbon cutting at the neighborhood’s new grocery store, community center, or manufacturing facility, their excitement is justified. For the community…
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The New Flexible Funding Program Supports and Accelerates Community-Driven Investment
The Chicago Community Trust granted $1.2 million to community-driven investment-focused organizations to move forward on neighborhood opportunities that attract capital and leverage resources. We are…
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United in Closing the Wealth Gap
From payday loans that charge up to 400 percent interest rates to steep fines and fees on missed utility bill payments, many hurdles exist for…
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Trust Grants $2 Million to Address Critical Needs
Building Pathway to Stability Program Funds 40 Nonprofits Across the Region The Chicago Community Trust recently announced $2 million in general operating grants to 40…
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2020: Protecting & Advancing Equitable Homeownership
Homeownership has long symbolized the “American Dream.” There is a widely held belief that once you achieve the status of homeowner, you have accomplished the…
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2020: Coalitions for Equity in Wealth Policy Leverages Efforts to Address Inequity
No matter how you view this moment in our history, what is undeniable is that it is a moment of change. The calls for action…
