Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2025
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the power of collective giving. Since its founding in 2008 at the height…
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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Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health…
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Responding to Chicago’s Urgent Needs in 2025
As the region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust exists to respond to the needs of our region and the people who call…
All Stories
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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…
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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…
