Planting Seeds of Change
The front door creaks open as the late afternoon sun spills into a small apartment on Chicago’s West Side. Backpacks hit the floor.…
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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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.…
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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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After Addiction, Finding Purpose in Re-Entry Reform
Anthony Lowery’s father earned a living through his trucking company—and even more money selling drugs. After years in federal prison, he tried to protect his…
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Food to Market Challenge' Spurs Local Food Innovation
On the evening of January 27, Chicago’s local food champions gathered to look ahead to the future of sustainable food. The event celebrated the launch…
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Taking the Sting Out of Re-Entry After Incarceration
It can take the employees at Sweet Beginnings a while to get used to their co-workers. The bees, that is. But as Johnny Patterson quickly…
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After 'The Super Bowl Shuffle'
“We’re not doing this because we’re greedy / The Bears are doing this to feed the needy!” “The Super Bowl Shuffle” was the Chicago Bears’…
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Through Depression, a High School Student Finds Her Voice
Elizabeth Einig will say she is “terrified” of putting herself in the spotlight. But this Schaumburg teenager regularly faces down her fears, if she thinks…
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Mourning a Teenage Son, Fighting Back Against Asthma
Christopher Redding had only had one asthma attack before the one that killed him. Christopher died in 2003 while jogging near his home in Lake…
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Chicago Colleges Unite as Citywide Campus, Global Destination
Chicago has long been known as a center of commerce and transportation, and for its world-class public museums and soaring architecture. Now, it’s moving to…
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Barn Dances and Prairie Picnics Build a Publishing Empire
The broadcaster of the prairie, Burridge D. Butler, transformed a farm media empire into a permanent legacy. Born in 1867, Butler was the son of…
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Teen Dance Festival Builds Bridges Across Neighborhoods
On a Saturday morning in August, teens streamed into the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Instead of sleeping in on a lazy summer morning,…
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Elevating Chicago’s Buoyant Dance Community
In fall 2015, Audience Architects honored Sarah Solotaroff Mirkin with its inaugural Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award. Under her leadership at The Chicago…
