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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Think Good, It's Friday! 8.28.15
We often talk about the positive impact of doing good. This article in the Chicago Tribune talks about how being generous has another benefit: improving…
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Chicagoans Value the Arts - But Which Neighborhoods Get Access?
All across Chicago, residents value and appreciate the arts. But getting access to them is another story—one that all depends on where you live. A public…
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“The Personality Conversion”: A Financial Advisor’s Insight into the Power of Generosity
The benefits of philanthropy extend beyond tax deductions and other financial gains. As a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, Denny Cummings has seen how charitable…
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The Ultimate Escape Artist: Transforming Lives Through Tattoos
Many people have marks on their bodies that remind them of something they’ve struggled to escape and want to leave behind. Eric Dean Spruth, MA,…
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Mentoring Refugee Girls Offers Everyday Reminders that “Goodness Does Exist”
When Blair Brettschneider began tutoring immigrant students after work in 2010, she had no idea it would change her life—and many others. One student in…
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Think Good, It’s Friday! 8.21.15
It’s that time of year! While the first day of school for Chicago Public School students is still a few weeks away (and I know…
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From Lincoln Park to Chinatown, a Museum Partnership Brings History Home
In 2005, the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) opened its doors in the heart of Chinatown. The Museum curated exhibitions and events celebrating Chinese-American culture in the…
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"Everyone Knows Bernie": The Dynamic Leader Building Networks Across Chinatown
Standing in Bernarda “Bernie” Wong’s office at CASL’s Chinatown facilities can be overwhelming. Her wall is lined with pictures of her with mayors, congressmen, media…
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Two South Side Teens' Neighborhood March for Peace Goes Global
A few years ago, Chicago native Razia Hutchins found herself in a classroom discussing the shooting death of a local teen after a high school…
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The ‘Take Action’ Generation: CHIRP Radio Talks to Young Volunteers
Perhaps more than any generation before, Generation Z is aware of the world around them and intent on making it a better place. Born after…
