Neighborhood Development Champions Support a Strong Pipeline of Community-Led Projects
For the Chicago region to thrive, all communities must prosper. Disinvestment in the South and West Sides has limited wealth-building and harmed neighborhood…
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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Joshua Moreno: On Philanthropy & Showing Up for Others
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of the Latine communities in Chicago and across the country.…
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Rooted in Care: Community Partners Are Charting Paths to Housing Stability
Housing instability can significantly impact a person’s health and economic outcomes, including physical, mental and behavioral well-being. Stable housing provides a foundation not…
All Stories
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
