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…
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Evidence-Based Parenting Classes Reach Families Who Can Benefit Most
“My mom is different, and now we do more things together.” Across Chicago, parents of high-risk youth are building their parenting skills—and words like these…
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A Former Gang Member Finds New Power in Politics
Berto Aguayo is days away from graduating Dominican University summa cum laude. Aguayo sounds confident, certain. Happiness and hope resound in his voice; possibility and…
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When Neighbors "Act Up," Communities Are Transformed
Each year following On the Table, the Trust hears from community members who are eager to share insights and ideas to better their community—all stemming…
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Finding Rhythm, Finding Peace
You would never know it now. But once upon a time, New York-born Puerto Rican musician and congo instructor Carlos Cornier was a rockero, hanging…
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Instability, Energy and Progress: The Future of Chicago Schools
“Chicago is at a tipping point—and the world spotlight is directed squarely us.” The tagline of the Future of Chicago conference on June 15, hosted…
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Giving Young Black Men a Roadmap to Engaged Fatherhood
“As a parent, there’s no map or manual that teaches you the things that you actually need to know and do.” [pullquote]At @DovetailProject, African-American teens…
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Illinois' Budget Impasse and Chicago's Violence Crisis
Co-authored by: Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust; Grace Hou, president of Woods Fund Chicago; and Leslie Ramyk, executive director of…
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Growing Up—and Grieving—as a Gay Muslim American
Upon learning that someone has died, Muslims recite “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un”: “We surely belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”…
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Philanthropic Kids Set the Agenda to "Make Our City Great"
How can we engage our children in service so compellingly that they’ll make it a lifelong habit? The Honeycomb Project has been addressing that question…
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In Chicago's Highest Fire Risk Neighborhoods, Protecting Homes and Families
Christine White opened her door on a Saturday morning to welcome the American Red Cross inside. “I’ve never needed your services, thank God,” she told…
