Protecting the Rights & Dignity of All: National Immigrant Justice Center
Founded in 1984, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) believes that immigrants’ rights are human rights, and that every individual deserves to be…
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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Feeding Today, Changing Tomorrow: Greater Chicago Food Depository
Many people know the Greater Chicago Food Depository, founded in 1979, as Chicago’s food bank. Last year alone, it partnered with more than…
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Turning Compassion into Action: New Life Centers
For more than 20 years, New Life Centers has partnered with communities on Chicago’s Southwest and West sides to respond to urgent needs…
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The Erika Lyn Huie Downs Fund
Erika Lyn Huie Downs was one of those people who always went out of her way for others. Inspired by a passion for service, Erika…
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“Generate New Power Out of Thin Air”: Eric Liu on Organizing, Rehumanizing Politics and Starting a Movement
On Thursday, April 27, Eric Liu, founder and CEO of Citizen University and executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Citizenship and American Identity Program sat…
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Driving Neighborhood Growth by Surveying Local Spending Power
Launched in 2016, Chicago TREND works to strengthen neighborhoods by accelerating retail development in communities whose retail markets have often been overlooked, but where appropriate…
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Making 'Civic Connections' for Leaders with Disabilities
Approximately one in five Americans has a disability of some kind. Like employers, civic organizations are quickly recognizing that disability is an element of diversity…
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For People with Spinal Injuries, Dance Sparks Creativity and Community
In a small studio on the third floor of the Old Town School of Folk Music’s Szold Hall, fourteen people sat in a circle. One…
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Equipping Teens as Critical Digital Consumers and Active Creators
In the U.S., the Internet currently contributes to roughly 6 percent of our GDP, and the demand for the future work force increasingly involves technology.…
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“An Eerie Hidden Disaster”: The Great Chicago Flood
At 6:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 1992, the basements of the buildings in the Loop began to fill with water. It began with the…
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A Jobs Program Creating Tech 'Stars'—and Community Leaders
Brandies Meva’a recalls the experiences that led her to where she is today: co-owner of a digital marketing firm based in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.…
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For Job Seekers, an Advocate Helps Close the "Access Gap"
Charles Gentry has always had a passion for helping people and working hard. Working in the security industry has allowed him to pursue both of…
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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…
