Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2025
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2008 at the height…
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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Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call…
All Stories
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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…
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The Quest to Fix Chicago’s Budget–30 Years Ago
Before joining the Trust’s Executive Committee in 1979, James F. Beré had established a wide-ranging reputation for civic service and business acumen as chief executive…
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A Broadcaster Gives Voice to Life with Visual Impairment
“Ever since I was little I’d be very interested in radio, in staying informed.” [pullquote]Radio broadcaster demystifies life w/visual impairment, boosts employment for people who…
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Pioneering Study Aimed to Reduce Death in Childbirth
In 1922, the United States ranked behind most of Europe and much of Latin America in its rate of maternal safety during childbirth. More mothers…
