Feeding Change in Our Region
The Chicago Region Food System Fund is a group of funders and community partners working together to build a more resilient local food…
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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Cultivating a Bright Future in Little Village
Little Village, or La Villita, has a long history of welcoming immigrant communities, starting with the German, Czech and Polish residents who flocked…
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Boosting Impact: The Amplification Fund
The Amplification Fund is an opportunity for donors to participate directly in the Trust’s grantmaking and join a community of philanthropists with similar…
All Stories
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Red Shoes Kickstart Conversation about Women and HIV
Lovette ‘Luvvie’ Ajayi and Karyn Brianne Lee are marketing and social media mavens. Ajayi is a digital strategist, public speaker and high-profile blogger, while Lee…
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A Trailblazing Pianist on Loving Jazz and Living with HIV
Award-winning pianist Fred Hersch and his trio made their Chicago Jazz Festival debut in 2015 on the Pritzker Pavilion stage, with what the Chicago Tribune…
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A Student Warrior Whose Purpose is Peace
At North Lawndale College Prep, Monay Jordan is a senior. She’s an A/P chemistry student. And she’s a Peace Warrior. In this violence prevention program,…
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For Powerful Social Media Campaigns, Find Your Ambassadors
One of the most powerful ways nonprofits can harness social media is through influencer marketing—enlisting people with social capital to join a campaign that raises…
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Bridging the Urban Native American Education Gap
Many people picture Native Americans living on reservations scattered across the rural hinterlands. But 70 percent of our nation’s 5.2 million Indians actually live in…
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From Archaeologist to Philanthropist
President and CEO Terry Mazany worked in public education before joining The Chicago Community Trust. Over fifteen years, he worked in urban school districts from…
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El Sueño Americano: "Vivito y Coleando"
Estados Unidos es un destino común para el migrante latinoamericano que sale de su país en busca de oportunidades. Las olas migratorias provenientes de Latinoamérica…
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"Living Museum" Celebrates Biodiversity—In a Vacant Lot in Woodlawn
One year ago, William Hill had a vision: Create a colorful botanical garden in Woodlawn where visitors could learn about plant life, biodiversity and green…
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As Digital Divide Closes, Technology Tackles Racial Justice Divide
Technology can play a powerful role in helping marginalized communities come together quickly and effectively around crucial issues. That was the message of two experts…
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Growing A Healthy Food System for Englewood: “We Could Be Doing This Together”
Many neighborhoods and communities throughout the region are underresourced and underserved. Nonprofit organizations, churches, community groups and government agencies support when and where they can.…
