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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For Chicago's Kids, Mentors Build New Skills and Lifelong Resilience
The value of a good mentor is impossible to measure. The lasting effects of the guidance we receive often extend far past the length of…
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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…
