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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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,…
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Challenging Racial Inequality, Driving Economic Growth
The experience of the Obama administration and the outcome of the election belie any thought that we live in a post-racial America. We know there…
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The Art of Healing
When you meet Jean Cozier, she immediately draws you in with her vibrant personality, infectious laughter and beaming smile. This longtime donor to The Chicago…
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From Libraries to Food Pantries, Service Gaps Inspire Neighborhood Ingenuity
As budget challenges prompt cutbacks in public services, many of our neighborhoods bear the burden. But whether it’s food scarcity or access to information, six…
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Helping Families Find Their Way Home
Alexis Castleberry doesn’t take anything for granted. A mother of five, she is thankful that she can provide her children with a home in Chatham,…
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In North Lawndale, Teens and Police Plant Common Ground
Classmates Alisha Dale and Roosevelt Harris-Williams work side by side, pulling rakes through a mound of wood chips. They will use the chips to smother…
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Matchmaking for a Manufacturing Renaissance in America's Cities
More products could be made in American cities like Chicago. But for that to happen, the local “idea people” and the people who run established…
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Laying the Foundation for a Fresh Start After Prison
Bridget Stephens has so much to celebrate. In 2010, Stephens was released after a six-month prison term, and began taking the first steps of recovery…
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Local Impact Investing Made Easy
Three years ago, many philanthropists were asking their advisors, “What is impact investing?” Today those same philanthropists are asking, “How do we become impact investors?”…
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Starting the Conversation for Effective Year-End Planning
For many professional advisors, the end of the year is a sprint to the finish line. Your clients need documents drafted, assets transferred and guidance…
