Trusted Voices: Reimagining How We Meet Critical Needs
Across the region, households are struggling to make ends meet amid rising costs, changes in federal policies and social service programs, and funding…
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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Giving Insights: Caring for Chicago Over Generations
Narcissa Niblack Thorne is best known as the creator of the beloved Thorne Miniature Rooms—68 of which are housed at the Art Institute…
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Chicago’s Housing Future Is in Its Past: Look to the “Missing Middle"
Like the rest of the country, Chicago is facing an affordable housing crisis. Some neighborhoods boast houses that are too pricey for many…
All Stories
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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…
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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…
