Neighborhood Development Champions Support a Strong Pipeline of Community-Led Projects
For the Chicago region to thrive, all communities must prosper. Disinvestment in the South and West Sides has limited wealth-building and harmed neighborhood…
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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Joshua Moreno: On Philanthropy & Showing Up for Others
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of the Latine communities in Chicago and across the country.…
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Rooted in Care: Community Partners Are Charting Paths to Housing Stability
Housing instability can significantly impact a person’s health and economic outcomes, including physical, mental and behavioral well-being. Stable housing provides a foundation not…
All Stories
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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.…
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“A Good Heart, A Giving Heart”: Mary Richardson-Lowry
Mary Richardson-Lowry grew up watching her grandparents open their hearts to their community—giving generously to anyone in need. And from their example, she says, “The…
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Listen Up: StoryCorps Launches Thanksgiving Challenge
Open to everyone, the Great Thanksgiving Listen is a national assignment to engage people of all ages in the act of listening. All that is…
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For Native American Veterans, Recognition at Last
On a rainy August Saturday in Wheaton’s Cantigny Park, an impressive color guard with 18 Eagle Staffs—the representation of a tribe’s military achievements and honor—led the…
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A Son’s Struggle Inspires a Movement for Mental Health Parity
Peter O’Brien’s only son died long before his time, felled at 32 by schizophrenia and health problems that resulted from medicating himself with alcohol. O’Brien…
