Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives.…
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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Bob Crawford’s Journey from Business Leader to Philanthropic Changemaker
Individual giving remains the driving force behind philanthropy in the United States. Even amid market uncertainty, giving increased by 3.3 percent in 2024…
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Young Leaders Fund Awards $100,000 in Community-Based Grants
Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago…
All Stories
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Building Up Chicago's Next Generation of Black Entrepreneurs
“Say it loud! I’m black and I’m proud!” In a small chapel on West 74th Street, across the street from a CTA bus garage, twenty…
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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…
