Neighborhood Development Champions Support a Strong Pipeline of Community-Led Projects
For the Chicago region to thrive, all communities must prosper. Disinvestment in the South and West Sides has limited wealth-building and harmed neighborhood…
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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Joshua Moreno: On Philanthropy & Showing Up for Others
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of the Latine communities in Chicago and across the country.…
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Rooted in Care: Community Partners Are Charting Paths to Housing Stability
Housing instability can significantly impact a person’s health and economic outcomes, including physical, mental and behavioral well-being. Stable housing provides a foundation not…
All Stories
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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…
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The First Great Donor: James A. Patten
In 1924 James A. Patten gave assets to the Trust that survive to this day. Known as the “Wheat King,” Patten amassed a fortune on the commodities…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 7.31.15
This past Sunday, July 26, people across the country celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here in Chicago, the Trust…
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A Hip-Hop Artist and a Nurse, Both Inspiring a New Generation
Sometimes philanthropy is the simple act of listening or the telling of a story to celebrate someone’s life. This week’s stories from the Vocalo Storytellers…
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Addressing the Stigma of Invisible Disabilities: Mark Ishaug
According to the World Health Organization, mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)…
