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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California Wildfires: How You Can Help
A series of deadly wildfires is raging across California, forcing the evacuation of entire communities as businesses, homes and lives are lost. Now the deadliest…
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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…
