Stories

Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.

All Stories

Listening to Someone's Story, Hearing Someone's Soul

Mar 18 2016

“When someone is being listened to in a really serious way, it reminds them that their story matters. And how much their lives matter.” Storytelling…
Anti-Violence Program Connects Police and Teens – Behind Bars

Mar 16 2016

An On the Table discussion at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in May 2014, where young residents shared their hopes and frustrations, led…
Changing the Future for 'Anybody Else's Father, Anybody Else's Son'

Mar 11 2016

“They would ask me in school, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I didn’t say a doctor, a teacher, or a…
Honoring Greatness Beyond Grants: The James Brown IV Awards

Mar 10 2016

For more three decades, the James Brown IV Award for Outstanding Community Service recognized some of Chicago’s most significant nonprofit organizations. [pullquote]From 1973 to 2005,…
How Great Events Connect Us with Our Place, Our Past, and Each Other

Mar 8 2016

When I first started to share my concept of a community conversation about our region, friends and colleagues responded, “Don’t we do this every day?”…
For Chicago's 'Forgotten Kids', Arts Education Builds Skills to Succeed

Mar 7 2016

For youth involved in the criminal justice system, a better future depends on improving their social and emotional learning skills—skills like conflict resolution, career readiness…
For Families Fighting Cancer, Restaurant Meals Nourish Body and Spirit

Mar 4 2016

Courtney White is proof that devastating moments in our lives can sometimes inspire great ideas. White is the founder of Culinary Care, a nonprofit organization…
The Man Behind the Bank Behind the Trust

Mar 3 2016

In 1914 officers of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank were given a fascinating new document by Albert W. Harris. The document was a copy of the…
How the Act of Listening Connects a Divided City

Feb 26 2016

“It’s impossible not to love someone whose story you have heard.” The beloved children’s TV host Mister Rogers carried that quote in his wallet, to…
In the Arts, SMART Growth Yields Lasting Returns

Feb 25 2016

Increased fundraising. A larger base of donors. Higher ticket sales. These are the trends that small arts and cultural organizations hope to achieve. And, with…