African American Legacy Awards $615,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
African American Legacy (AAL), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors committed to supporting the Black community in the Chicago region.…
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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Strengthening Chicago’s Shared Ownership Ecosystem
For generations, Chicago’s neighborhoods have been shaped by the people who call them home. Historically, many communities like Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Little Village,…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 22: Reimagining Development Through Shared Ownership
As Chicago neighborhoods continue to expand with newly built businesses and homes, new opportunities emerge for residents to shape their communities. Yet, traditional…
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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…
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Malaysia, China, Chicago: A Surgeon’s Vision Brings a Chinatown Museum to Life
Dr. Kim K. Tee, one of the six founders of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, came from modest beginnings. One of 13 children born…
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Think Good, It’s Friday! 8.14.15
In April, the Trust was honored to take part in the first-ever We Day Illinois. We Day is an all-star event that empowers a generation…
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Vocalo Steps Inside an LGBTQ Safe Space, a Museum + a Maple Tree Ritual
Just a few years ago, there was a place in the Chicagoland area where dancing was not allowed. Today, students at Wheaton College can only…
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An Antique Dealer's Last Wishes Provide Art for Chicago's Future
A rare books dealer with a shop in downtown Chicago, Alex Demond was the first individual to leave a bequest to the Trust in his…
