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
-
-
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…
-
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
-
The Five Leadership Languages
On August 31, Becky Brasfield was a featured speaker at a BMO Harris executive roundtable luncheon on diversity, equity and inclusion. As a Leadership Fellow…
-
Six $1,000 Ideas to Counter Violence in Chicago
When violence touches our communities, Chicago residents summon up our determination and creativity to respond. Supporting survivors, engaging youth to help them find a more…
-
My High School: Challenging, Eye-Opening, Empowering
My eighth grade year was all about preparing to go to high school. My mind was set to go to Whitney M. Young Magnet High…
-
Much More Than Conversation: Three Years of On the Table
The first time one tries something, it is about figuring out how to get it done. The second try is often about making adjustments to…
-
A Real Estate Firm Unites to Fight Homelessness
It’s no surprise that a real estate company with a history of fighting racially discriminatory home sale laws during the Civil Rights era would embrace…
-
Expanding Horizons for Chicago's Young Leaders
Matthew Brewer grew up in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago. And for most of his childhood, he didn’t have much reason to leave…
-
Seizing a Health Care Opportunity: County Jail
Debra, 32, hadn’t had medical insurance for a while when she was detained at Cook County Jail in 2014 after her arrest for retail theft.…
-
Creating a Local Culture of Inclusion
All the world’s a stage, Shakespeare wrote. But what are theaters, concert halls and other cultural institutions doing to make sure that everyone can see…
-
Mapping the Next Agricultural Revolution
Farming in Illinois is big business—and not just for the farms that are big. Accounting for nearly 10 percent of the state’s total economic output,…
-
In Memoriam: Charles Benton
Charles Benton was passionate about civic engagement and democracy. And he had the pioneering vision to recognize how essential access to media and telecommunication are…
