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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Smart Growth, Resilient Roots for Neighborhood Arts Nonprofits
Affordable, accessible opportunities to experience the arts are vital assets for every community. That’s the inspiration behind The Chicago Community Trust’s SMART Growth grant program,…
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After Hurricane Maria, Philanthropy Helps Puerto Ricans Rebuild in Chicago
Eight months after Hurricane Maria swept across Puerto Rico, a new Harvard University study suggests that the death toll may be more than 4,600—more than…
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A Rising Star Chef, and the Business Incubator Helping Her Shine
Tiffany Williams had been cooking professionally her entire adult life when she landed a gig providing food backstage for the NFL draft. The owner of…
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Making a More Peaceful Summer
For the third summer in a row, neighborhood organizations in Chicago working to reduce gun violence will receive grants to help reclaim parks, streets and…
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The Rohingya Refugee Crisis—and How You Can Help
“He felt very sorry when he saw me, because he knew I would be killed.” Jani Alam fled his native Burma alone, on foot, after…
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Disrupting a City's Legacy of Segregation
Since joining the Trust last fall, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know my new home a little better, visiting neighborhoods throughout the region.…
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What You Can Do to Make a Difference
Last week, thousands of Chicagoans came together in mealtime conversations across the region to talk about our hometown and what we can do individually and…
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Five Years of Conversation – What Comes Next?
This week, thousands of Chicago-area residents once again took part in mealtime conversations where they met others, shared ideas and explored ways to take action…
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Home Cookin': A Heart Full of Chicago Soul
We’re pleased to feature selections from Chicago writer Alan Lake’s soon-to-be-published series of personal profiles with esteemed Chicago area home cooks. Home Cookin’ gives a…
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Community-Led Projects to Revitalize Chicago Rivers
In August 2016, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, The Chicago Community Trust and other civic, government and community leaders publicly launched the Great Rivers Chicago: an…
