Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago's Cultural Ecosystem
Chicago is one of the most influential cultural cities in the United States, known for its distinctive blend of architecture, visual arts, music,…
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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Claude and Britney, Two Donald Stewart Fellows, Reflect on How Their Commitment to Community Led Them to the African American Legacy Fund
Claude Robinson and Britney Robbins joined African American Legacy (AAL) from different paths—Claude as a staunch advocate for uplifting African American communities; Britney…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Awards $619,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support nonprofit organizations that serve the Chicago region’s LGBTQ…
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For Families Fighting Cancer, Restaurant Meals Nourish Body and Spirit
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…
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The Man Behind the Bank Behind the Trust
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…
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How the Act of Listening Connects a Divided City
“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…
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In the Arts, SMART Growth Yields Lasting Returns
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…
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Real School Choice Requires Strong Neighborhood Schools
It seems that few people believe in neighborhood public high schools these days. And that’s unfortunate, because neighborhood schools are central to building a better…
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Chicago’s Epic Shopping Cart Race Against Hunger
When Devin Breen attended Burning Man in 2005, he experienced “ordinary people creating extraordinary things.” Energized by the personally empowering experience, Breen knew that he…
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Preparing Parochial Schools to Embrace Students with Disabilities
Jenny Fortner has a warm place in her heart for children with special needs. The newly appointed chair of Special Olympics Illinois, Fortner recently joined…
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Teachers, Students and Developers "Hack" Chicago's Education Challenges
A definite buzz of anticipation filled the air early one recent Saturday morning in the big, busy, mural-splashed space at Blue1647. More than 120 education…
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A Social Club for Fellowship, Faith and Philanthropy
Dedicated to the moral welfare of the city, the Chicago Sunday Evening Club’s origins intertwined with The Chicago Community Trust’s. The Chicago Sunday Evening Club was organized…
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A Theologian Reflects on Race, Policing and Parenthood
Before Rev. Jim Wallis was a New York Times-bestselling author and theologian, before he was named to the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and…
