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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People, Power and Policy: Building the Foundation of Our Work
When The Chicago Community Trust set its North Star goal to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap as the best way to strengthen the…
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Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability: Fulfilling Underserved Housing Needs
Amid an affordable housing shortage, skyrocketing rent, and COVID-era protections disappearing, rising homelessness has become one of the most prominent issues this decade. According to…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 16: Working Collaboratively to Address Community Safety
In this episode of Trust Talks, Jai Jones, Program Specialist for the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, is joined by Esther Franco-Payne (Executive Director,…
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Announcing the New Advisory Board of the Disabilities Fund
The Disabilities Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is proud to announce its new cohort of advisory board members. The following members began…
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Nuestro Futuro Awards $370,000 in 2024 Grants to Chicago Nonprofits Focused on Immigration and Early Childhood
Nuestro Futuro (NF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, is the largest affinity fund in the nation dedicated to Latine philanthropy. Since its founding in…
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From the Archives: 1966 – Gautreaux v. Chicago Housing Authority
Public housing in Chicago has a long and complicated history that has had a lasting impact on federal housing policy nationwide. In 1942, the first…
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From Giving USA to Illinois Gives: How to Ensure Lasting Impact in a Changing Charitable Environment
In 2023 Americans gave $557.16 billion to charities—the highest dollar amount on record. While a staggering total, it represents a 2.1% decline over the previous…
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Press Forward Chicago Supports a Thriving Local Media Landscape
Robust local news coverage is essential to fostering an informed and engaged public. In contrast to much of the country, where local newspapers are going…
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Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Natashia Holmes
Natashia L. Holmes is the founder of McMillan Holmes LLC, a law firm specializing in real estate and property law. Prior to starting her firm,…
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Young Leaders Fund Awards $75,000 to Small, Start-Up Nonprofits
The Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago. With support…
