Feeding Change in Our Region
The Chicago Region Food System Fund is a group of funders and community partners working together to build a more resilient local food…
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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Cultivating a Bright Future in Little Village
Little Village, or La Villita, has a long history of welcoming immigrant communities, starting with the German, Czech and Polish residents who flocked…
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Boosting Impact: The Amplification Fund
The Amplification Fund is an opportunity for donors to participate directly in the Trust’s grantmaking and join a community of philanthropists with similar…
All Stories
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How Fair Funding to Public Schools Can Power Neighborhood Safety
As the first day of school approaches, Chicago Public Schools continues to grapple with large budget cuts to schools and central office, and it expects…
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A Synagogue-Turned-Church Unites Two Communities Against Violence
The civil rights movement has been a nexus for African Americans and Jewish Americans for more than half a century. Now a lovely old building…
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Through Beauty and Laughter, Local Artists Help Connect Communities
We have each had a moment when a performance, or painting, or piece of literature resonates within us deeply enough to leave an indelible mark.…
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Mentoring Teens for Tech Careers—and Peaceful Futures
Curtis Johnson, 15, doesn’t like to talk about his former girlfriend’s suicide. But her story inspired his new website and blog, Human Hands, which aims…
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Chicagoans Reach Out to Bring Neighbors Health and Healing
Each of our physical, mental and spiritual health affects how we interact with those around us, and shapes the dynamics of our communities. Improving access…
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Mapping the Damage to Illinois' Endangered Human Services
“The state has intentionally outsourced essential services to its nonprofits to care for and serve its most vulnerable residents. These nonprofits have efficiently and effectively…
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A West Side High School Where Peace Circles Reduce Violence, Build Success
Zuberi Owens has more on his mind than many high school students do. A mother on dialysis to treat her kidney disease. A neighborhood that’s…
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Revitalizing Public Spaces for Conversation, Creativity and Play
Community spaces reflect the heritage and culture of our neighborhoods, and often define how those outside view the places we live. They give us a…
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How Place Matters for Chicagoans' Economic Mobility
Many recent federal policies have been shaped around the notion that a child’s ZIP code should not determine their chances for success in life. Yet…
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For Youth in Prison, This Library Fuels Imagination and Connection
A good book has the power to take you places. Help you discover new things about yourself. See the world in a new light. In…
