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.…
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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Planting Seeds of Change
The front door creaks open as the late afternoon sun spills into a small apartment on Chicago’s West Side. Backpacks hit the floor.…
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Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives.…
All Stories
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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…
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South Shore Neighbors and Police Build Solidarity at National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 4, cities around the country celebrated National Night Out, an annual event that aims to promote safety in the streets. As part…
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‘Public Health Approach’ to Drug Crime Creates Fairer Courtrooms, Safer Communities
One of the goals of the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice is to ratchet down the number of men and women who spend time in…
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A South Side Farm Teaches Yoga, Art, and 'Doing the World Differently'
How does a downtown Buddhist find herself practicing yoga with dozens of schoolchildren on the South side? Robbin Carroll, founder and president of I Grow…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 8.7.15
What does it mean to be a citizen? I enjoyed reading this article in the Atlantic about Harvard’s Project Zero program, which is exploring how…
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Sights & Sounds of Philanthropy: Summer in Chicago Edition
There’s no denying it. Nothing beats summertime in Chicago. Locals and tourists alike love being outside and exploring the city during the warm-weather months. We…
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How Much Indirect Cost? Empower Nonprofits: Let Them Decide
For decades foundations (and government) have worried over how much indirect cost to allow their nonprofit grant recipients to charge on grants. Five percent? Ten…
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A Startup Entrepreneur and Literacy Champion, on Her 'Path Back to Generosity’
At the age of 35, recipient of The Chicago Community Trust Fellowship and serial entrepreneur Stacy Ratner was a veteran of four venture-backed startup companies…
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The Compassionate Exterminator: Controlling Bedbugs for Neighbors in Need
Hard-working Martinez Williams knows how to make a quick buck. His entrepreneurial streak started in his teens. First, he was a hair model for Soft…
