2025 Illinois General Assembly Recap
I came to The Chicago Community Trust in March after spending years as chief of staff to Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. I…
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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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 19: Confronting Homeownership Barriers
While homeownership is often viewed as a pathway to building wealth, a range of challenges can hinder its effectiveness, particularly for specific groups.…
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Transforming the College Transfer Experience
In the Spring of 2006, my mother and I walked into a meeting with a public state university admissions counselor to discuss my…
All Stories
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It’s Systemic Barriers, Not Individual Choices, that Prevent Black and Latine Households from Building Wealth
When the Trust committed to working to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap for Chicagoans, we knew we would need robust data to better…
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From the Archives: 1992 – Center on Halsted & The LGBTQ Community Fund
LGBTQ-serving organizations in Chicago have long been at the forefront of advocating for and addressing the ever-evolving needs of the city’s LGBTQ community. In 1985,…
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AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Philanthropy for Asian American Action Chicago
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Trust is spotlighting AAPI leaders and AAPI-serving organizations who are making a difference…
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A Coalition of Funders Launches Press Forward Chicago With $1.6 Million in Grants to 13 Journalism Projects
Our democracy depends on a thriving free press, serving as a source of information and a voice for communities. Yet, the news media today is…
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CDFIs Bring Development to Disinvested Communities
In order for communities to thrive, they must have access to financial services and investment capital that spur economic development. However, nationally and in Chicago,…
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A Collaborative Approach to Impact
The Trust is committed to collecting data and applying what we learn to bring people together, spark innovation, and inform decision-making. We also seek to…
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2023 Annual Report: In Memoriam
JOHN H. “JACK” CATLIN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER Jack Catlin was a disability rights pioneer whose tireless advocacy improved the lives of thousands of people with…
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JPMorgan Chase Pursues A More Inclusive Chicago Economy
In 2020, JPMorgan Chase announced a $30 billion commitment to help address the racial wealth gap. This included $150 million in philanthropic capital and low-cost…
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Partnering with McDonald's to Serve Up Change for Chicago's Youth
McDonald’s roots in Chicago date back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the city, the company is committed…
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The Liebman Family: A Tradition of Thoughtful, Compassionate Giving
The Liebman family has spent decades quietly nourishing social, educational and economic causes in the Chicago region and beyond. For the Liebmans, philanthropy is a…
