LGBTQ Community Fund Awards $619,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support nonprofit organizations that serve the Chicago region’s LGBTQ…
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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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…
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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…
All Stories
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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…
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A “Clown Doctor” Brightens Life for Chicago’s Children and Seniors
Karen Hoyer is a professional mime artist who has made a career out of making people smile. She uses her gift of performance to spread…
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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…
