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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Equipping Teens as Critical Digital Consumers and Active Creators
In the U.S., the Internet currently contributes to roughly 6 percent of our GDP, and the demand for the future work force increasingly involves technology.…
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“An Eerie Hidden Disaster”: The Great Chicago Flood
At 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 1992, the basements of the buildings in the Loop began to fill with water. It began with the…
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A Jobs Program Creating Tech 'Stars'—and Community Leaders
Brandies Meva’a recalls the experiences that led her to where she is today: co-owner of a digital marketing firm based in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.…
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For Job Seekers, an Advocate Helps Close the "Access Gap"
Charles Gentry has always had a passion for helping people and working hard. Working in the security industry has allowed him to pursue both of…
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Ice Cream for Breakfast Spreads Happiness—and Hope
Ice cream for breakfast? In February? In Chicago? As fundraising concepts go, it might seem a hard sell—but not to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. [pullquote]What’s…
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How a Mealtime Conversation Opens New Doors to Client Engagement
In 2017, The Chicago Community Trust will celebrate the fourth year of its marquee community event On the Table. On the Table is an annual…
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IRA Planning: Beyond the Donor Advised Fund
The “baby boomer” generation—the second largest generation in U.S. history—is on the cusp of a significant financial transition. The first baby boomers were born in…
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Honoring Gwendolyn Brooks, Chicago's Poet and Pioneer
“In order to be heard, one had to shout. Whispers were not heard at all.” With these words, former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove paid…
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For Chicago Artists, a New Data Platform Changes the Game
How do you celebrate the arrival of a game-changing data platform that connects artists, nonprofits and funders more intimately and equitably than ever before? If…
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Preserving an Organization's Cultural Heritage
What do many universities, museums, historical societies and large corporations have in common? They have an archives—a collection of permanently valuable records such as manuscripts,…
