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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Raising the Floor Through Collaboration
Low-wage workers in warehouses, restaurants, car washes, day labor, temp agencies and domestic settings struggle with common problems of violation of wage/hour laws, difficult and…
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An Earthquake Inspires Expat to Launch Her Dream Museum
Though Haiti’s Jean Baptiste Point du Sable is widely recognized as the first permanent resident of what would become Chicago, many Chicagoans know very little…
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Lighting the Way Out of Poverty for Young Moms
Helping a poor young mother get a start on a better life can actually lift two generations of a family out of poverty. Because if…
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A Mid-Century Champion for Equality, Green Space, New Media
James Brown IV became the Trust’s second executive director in 1949. By developing warmer relationships with donors and by listening more closely to their needs…
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How a Glenview Retiree Defeated Unjust Housing Laws
Nancy Mullarkey describes herself as a “happy, active retiree” who spends much of her time working with her church, Glenview Community Church. She also volunteers…
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Forecasting the Future of Education
On October 15 and 16, Generation All—along with several other partners including Hive Chicago Fund for Connected Learning, Thrive, Convergence Academies and the Institute for…
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A Renowned Muralist’s Tribute to His Grand Crossing Roots
The Chicago region has a rich artistic legacy. One artist who is embracing the city’s past while using his talents for good is Chicago-based Joe…
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Curing Chicago’s “Nature Deficit Disorder”
For 100 years, generations of outdoor enthusiasts have looked at the Forest Preserves of Cook County as their personal oasis away from the rat race…
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For Teens in Crisis, Help Starts with a Text
When Nancy Lublin finished a recent talk at Chicago Ideas Week about Crisis Text Line, the national help line she founded, a young man walked…
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Teens with Down Syndrome Find their Voice—On Stage
The young performers in a new play, What You Will, were having a wonderful time at rehearsal one recent Friday evening at the Menomonee Club’s…
