Lisandra Lao, and How She’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Philanthropists
For 30 years, The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF) has empowered young adults to actively participate in philanthropy by interacting with…
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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Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Policy Reform
When the Trust decided to integrate policy change into our strategies, we did so recognizing that to achieve our mission of a thriving…
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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,…
All Stories
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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,…
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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,…
