2025 Illinois General Assembly Recap
I came to The Chicago Community Trust in March after spending years as chief of staff to Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. I…
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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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 19: Confronting Homeownership Barriers
While homeownership is often viewed as a pathway to building wealth, a range of challenges can hinder its effectiveness, particularly for specific groups.…
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Transforming the College Transfer Experience
In the Spring of 2006, my mother and I walked into a meeting with a public state university admissions counselor to discuss my…
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"People Business": An Investment Banking Magnate Embraces Generosity
At the age of eight, J. Ira Harris went to work. It was 1946, and he brought home money for his family by selling newspapers…
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After Reparations, Police Torture Survivors Seek Justice and Healing
On May 10, as the sun fell, 13 people sat down at the Arts Incubator on East Garfield Boulevard to talk about the trauma of…
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Inside a Supercharged Celebration of Teen Philanthropy
On April 29th, more than 15,000 young people gathered in Allstate Arena for a massive interactive stage event, featuring concerts, activities, and world-renowned speakers—all to…
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Seven Tables, One Passion for the Place We Call Home
On May 10, I was awed to see more than 55,000 people around Chicago participate in more than 3,500 conversations for On the Table 2016,…
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Tool Bank Lends Service Projects the Power to Do More
Good ideas and good will are two important elements of service—but they can take the everyday philanthropist only so far. Then you need shovels. And…
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Protecting Chicago's Green Spaces and Sandy Shores
The use of public land greatly influences the livability of any region. From recreation to environmental health, concern for green space has grown in importance…
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At This Breakfast Table, Police and Neighbors Talk Racism and Reconciliation
On May 10, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told his breakfast companions that he’s been “doing a lot of listening” lately, as he and his…
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A Historic Mansion Finds New Life as Gateway for Prisoner Re-Entry
“I was drafted into this. My wife will tell you: we drove new Cadillacs, I was living in Lake Point Towers. And you know, I…
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For Young Chicago Professionals, an Immersion Course in Philanthropy
On May 5, young professionals from throughout Chicago gathered at Arciel to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a stunning sunset view of the Loop. But…
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In a Segregated City, Refugees and Volunteers Build Community of Citizenship
After working all day at the Chicago Urban League in Bronzeville, Mahjeed Marrow walks a few blocks through the falling snow and gusty wind, to…
