Trusted Voices: Reimagining How We Meet Critical Needs
Across the region, households are struggling to make ends meet amid rising costs, changes in federal policies and social service programs, and funding…
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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Giving Insights: Caring for Chicago Over Generations
Narcissa Niblack Thorne is best known as the creator of the beloved Thorne Miniature Rooms—68 of which are housed at the Art Institute…
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Chicago’s Housing Future Is in Its Past: Look to the “Missing Middle"
Like the rest of the country, Chicago is facing an affordable housing crisis. Some neighborhoods boast houses that are too pricey for many…
All Stories
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We Are Successful When We Are Connected': State of Community 2016
It was almost exactly 100 years ago—on December 15th, 1916—that the Trust hosted a luncheon at the Union League Club to introduce The Chicago Community…
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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…
