Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2025
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2008 at the height…
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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Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call…
All Stories
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Diversity Gap Widens in Chicago’s Financial Sector
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…
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For Low-Wage Workers, a Vision of Dignity and Power
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…
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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…
