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…
All Stories
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CHIP in Illinois: What Federal Health Coverage Means to Local Families
Earlier this year, Congress passed a bill to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, which provides health insurance for 9 million children…
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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…
