Lisandra Lao, and How She’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Philanthropists
For 30 years, The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF) has empowered young adults to actively participate in philanthropy by interacting with…
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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Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Policy Reform
When the Trust decided to integrate policy change into our strategies, we did so recognizing that to achieve our mission of a thriving…
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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,…
All Stories
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How Great Events Connect Us with Our Place, Our Past, and Each Other
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?”…
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For Chicago's 'Forgotten Kids', Arts Education Builds Skills to Succeed
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…
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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…
