The Power of Collective Advocacy & Collaboration
In communities across Illinois, families work hard to build stable lives, but the systems meant to support them often fall short. Whether it’s…
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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We’re Stronger Together
Since joining The Chicago Community Trust three years ago, I’ve been thinking about ways to ensure those most affected by our decisions are…
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Disabilities Fund Awards Over $355,000 in Community-Based Grants
Disabilities Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, recently restructured and piloted their first ever open call Request for Proposals (RFP) grant process.…
All Stories
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American Dreamer Frank Clark: “Every Day, I Try to Give Back”
Frank Clark epitomizes the American success story. Born in Chicago in the 1940s, he started in the mailroom at ComEd, eventually climbing the ranks to…
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"We Are Still a Resilient Community": Chicago Latinos Unite in Philanthropy
Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has been serving Chicago’s Latino families in communities like West Town, Humboldt Park and Pilsen. The organization provides a range…
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Inside a North Lawndale Community Garden
Good things are happening all over Chicago. To celebrate some of the people making a difference, The Chicago Community Trust has partnered with Free Spirit…
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A Death Across the Street Inspires a Movement to Reclaim South Shore
After living for 40 years in South Shore/South Chicago—two adjacent lakefront neighborhoods that have gone from middle-class haven to gang stronghold—Laura Morgan didn’t have much…
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Equality Activist Evan Wolfson on Generosity, Government and Mending the World
Serving as co-counsel in the landmark Hawaii marriage case Baehr v. Miike, which paved the way for the global freedom to marry movement, Evan Wolfson…
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After a Tragic Loss, a Journalist Helps Us Reckon with Death
WGN-TV reporter Randi Belisomo is on a mission to help her fellow Chicagoans learn to think in concrete terms about a very difficult topic—namely, that…
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A Painter and a Sculptor Create Opportunity for Artists with Disabilities
Sometimes life takes you in an unexpected direction. That’s the lesson learned by Rob Lentz and Mark Jackson, co-founders of Project Onward, a gallery and…
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Protecting Oak Tree Ecosystems, One Partnership at a Time
Catherine Game is the director of communications and engagement for Chicago Wilderness, a 200-plus-member alliance of conservation groups, government agencies, businesses and faith groups. Founded…
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In Mt. Greenwood, One Lawyer Carries on Boxing’s Tradition of Giving Back
On Chicago’s South Side, behind a small law office, sits Celtic Boxing Club. Mike Joyce, an attorney by day and boxing instructor by night, started…
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LGBT Youth and Senior Services Gain New Support
The Chicago Community Trust’s LGBT Community Fund kicked off its first round of community grant making at a reception on October 1. The Fund—founded in…
