Stories

Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.

All Stories

Diversity Gap Widens in Chicago’s Financial Sector

Dec 3 2015

Workforce diversity is a significant challenge for the American financial services industry—especially in the Chicago region, where representation of African-Americans and Latinos has remained stagnant…
For Low-Wage Workers, a Vision of Dignity and Power

Dec 2 2015

On December 4, Latino Union celebrates 15 years of empowering low-income immigrant and U.S.-born workers around Chicago. Latino Union helps hundreds of day laborers and…
Red Shoes Kickstart Conversation about Women and HIV

Dec 1 2015

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…
A Trailblazing Pianist on Loving Jazz and Living with HIV

Nov 30 2015

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…
A Student Warrior Whose Purpose is Peace

Nov 25 2015

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,…
For Powerful Social Media Campaigns, Find Your Ambassadors

Nov 24 2015

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…
Bridging the Urban Native American Education Gap

Nov 23 2015

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…
From Archaeologist to Philanthropist

Nov 20 2015

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…
El Sueño Americano: "Vivito y Coleando"

Nov 19 2015

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…
"Living Museum" Celebrates Biodiversity—In a Vacant Lot in Woodlawn

Nov 18 2015

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…