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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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…
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A Global Activist Reflects on Marching with MLK
In 1966, Rozell W. “Prexy” Nesbitt was 22 years old, fresh from a year studying in Tanzania and eager to join the Chicago Freedom Movement.…
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The 64 Great Ideas Sparking Change in Chicagoland Communities
Across the Chicagoland region, our collective civic pride is deeply rooted in the steady determination to bring about the very best conditions of life for…
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Access, Equity, Opportunity: Building a Moral Economy
How can communities access full employment, fair credit, early childhood education and an increased health and life expectancy in the American heartland? These were the…
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Through Collaboration and Community, a New Model of Leadership
Reflecting the recent passing of the 26th anniversary of the ADA I had those words in mind: “Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come…
