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…
All Stories
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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)…
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Greater Together with Technology
I was a teenager in the 1980’s and remember disability activists taking over bus routes and rolling in front of buses in acts of civil…
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Changing Perception, Advancing Workforce Inclusion: Steve Pemberton
“Growing up in foster care, I always wondered: how had I become disconnected from my parents? Why? Who are they?” It wasn’t until he was…
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Pushing Forward
Twenty-five years ago, on July 26, 1990, 2,000 people with disabilities gathered on the South Lawn of the White House for the Americans with Disabilities…
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Life After a Spinal Cord Injury: Thea Flaum Helps Families Find Answers
Sunday, July 26, marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): landmark civil rights legislation that drastically improved the lives of people…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 7.24.15
The Trust is committed to supporting efforts to build stronger communities throughout the Chicagoland region—as demonstrated by On the Table, our work to convene residents…
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5 Lessons for Closing a Nonprofit the Right Way
The Chicago Community Trust’s SMART Growth initiative was designed to help small arts organizations develop sustainability in the face of economic shifts and organizational transitions.…
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Celebrating Disability Pride with Chicago's Everyday Philanthropists
On Saturday, July 18, hundreds of Chicago-area residents filled the Loop for the 12th annual Disability Pride Parade. Chicago’s Disability Pride Parade is the longest…
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Tablet-Based Teaching Reaches New Students—Behind Bars
“Mostly a bunch of guys sitting around a big room, watching daytime TV.” That’s how Brian Hill, lead creator of one of the hottest new…
