Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago's Cultural Ecosystem
Chicago is one of the most influential cultural cities in the United States, known for its distinctive blend of architecture, visual arts, music,…
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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Claude and Britney, Two Donald Stewart Fellows, Reflect on How Their Commitment to Community Led Them to the African American Legacy Fund
Claude Robinson and Britney Robbins joined African American Legacy (AAL) from different paths—Claude as a staunch advocate for uplifting African American communities; Britney…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Awards $619,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support nonprofit organizations that serve the Chicago region’s LGBTQ…
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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,…
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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…
