More Than a Paycheck: What It Takes to Get Ahead
Two days before my brother’s 10th birthday, my family was on the brink of bankruptcy. My parents’ small business hadn’t hit its growth…
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
-
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 27: Fueling Small Business Growth in Chicago
Small businesses are essential to stabilizing neighborhood economies. They create jobs, activate commercial corridors, and provide the goods and services that help communities…
-
“Can I Invest in Community to Do Good?” Samuel Muñeton Jr. Shows Us How.
For Samuel Muñeton Jr., his philanthropy has come full circle. In his youth, Sam benefited directly from mentors and others in his community…
All Stories
-
For Chicago's 'Forgotten Kids', Arts Education Builds Skills to Succeed
For youth involved in the criminal justice system, a better future depends on improving their social and emotional learning skills—skills like conflict resolution, career readiness…
-
For Families Fighting Cancer, Restaurant Meals Nourish Body and Spirit
Courtney White is proof that devastating moments in our lives can sometimes inspire great ideas. White is the founder of Culinary Care, a nonprofit organization…
-
The Man Behind the Bank Behind the Trust
In 1914 officers of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank were given a fascinating new document by Albert W. Harris. The document was a copy of the…
-
How the Act of Listening Connects a Divided City
“It’s impossible not to love someone whose story you have heard.” The beloved children’s TV host Mister Rogers carried that quote in his wallet, to…
-
In the Arts, SMART Growth Yields Lasting Returns
Increased fundraising. A larger base of donors. Higher ticket sales. These are the trends that small arts and cultural organizations hope to achieve. And, with…
-
Real School Choice Requires Strong Neighborhood Schools
It seems that few people believe in neighborhood public high schools these days. And that’s unfortunate, because neighborhood schools are central to building a better…
-
Chicago’s Epic Shopping Cart Race Against Hunger
When Devin Breen attended Burning Man in 2005, he experienced “ordinary people creating extraordinary things.” Energized by the personally empowering experience, Breen knew that he…
-
Preparing Parochial Schools to Embrace Students with Disabilities
Jenny Fortner has a warm place in her heart for children with special needs. The newly appointed chair of Special Olympics Illinois, Fortner recently joined…
-
Teachers, Students and Developers "Hack" Chicago's Education Challenges
A definite buzz of anticipation filled the air early one recent Saturday morning in the big, busy, mural-splashed space at Blue1647. More than 120 education…
-
A Social Club for Fellowship, Faith and Philanthropy
Dedicated to the moral welfare of the city, the Chicago Sunday Evening Club’s origins intertwined with The Chicago Community Trust’s. The Chicago Sunday Evening Club was organized…
