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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Wrap Up Your Year of Giving
December is a busy month, so it’s never too soon to start your year-end planning. Donors who like to stay ahead of the curve can…
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For Sustainable Local Farming, Award Competition Sparks Bold Solutions
From restaurant menus to grocery stores, interest in local food is stronger than ever. Yet of the $14 billion in produce our region consumes annually,…
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In New Documentary, Chicago's Generosity Shines
“You take your privilege, and you take all the things you have, to lift other people up.” Those words of generosity struck a chord for…
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We Are Successful When We Are Connected': State of Community 2016
It was almost exactly 100 years ago—on December 15th, 1916—that the Trust hosted a luncheon at the Union League Club to introduce The Chicago Community…
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For Chicago's Kids, Mentors Build New Skills and Lifelong Resilience
The value of a good mentor is impossible to measure. The lasting effects of the guidance we receive often extend far past the length of…
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Police, Lawmakers & Communities Envision a Justice System that Heals
On a sunny morning last May, a lifelong resident of Chicago’s North Lawndale community stood on the corner of 18th Street and Hamlin Avenue, telling…
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For Chicago Voters, Supporting Mental Health Care Builds Common Ground
In recent months, the local news has reflected an increasing awareness of the complex and interlinked challenges of mental health, public safety and community vitality.…
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Digital Badges Inspire Young Chicago to Build Job Skills, Financial Literacy
“It’s best not to go on a spending spree. It’s not to say you shouldn’t buy things for yourself, but it’s best to shop intelligently.…
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The Seven Content Elements that Get Nonprofits Noticed—and Shared
There are 2.5 million blog posts and articles created daily for the web. But 75% of those articles are not linked by any other sources,…
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How Microaggressions Keep Hurting—and How to Interrupt
At the end of September, colleagues and I attended the YWCA Madison Racial Justice Summit—an annual event designed to provide expertise and facilitate discussions about…
