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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Think Good, It's Friday! 6.19.15
This week, Giving USA released their 2015 philanthropy study. It cited $358.38 billion in charitable contributions in 2014, rising by 7.1 percent in current dollars…
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Coaching an Underdog Public School to Science Olympiad Triumph
Dzevida Duheric and her family fled Bosnia and came to America in 1997, when she was just 15 years old. Although the group left a…
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Math Initiative Builds Excellence in Teaching and Learning
“I’m thinking about it differently. I’m able to share with my students a new joy, or even love, of math that I didn’t have when…
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"Youth-Led Tech" Summer Program Delivers Digital Skills
This summer, Chicago teens are connecting with an opportunity to learn cutting-edge tech skills—the skills that matter most to them. Smart Chicago has created “Youth-Led Tech |…
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Centennial Reunion Sparkles with a Century of Community Champions
On June 9, the Great Hall of Union Station swirled with donors, nonprofit partners, and former and current staff—all united by their commitment to the…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 6.12.15
Protect and preserve green spaces to keep our communities healthy and strong… That every child and family have access to a high-quality neighborhood school… Stable,…
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Spark a Movement. Celebrate the Stories of Philanthropy.
Today, The Chicago Community Trust announces its latest Centennial initiative, Stories of Philanthropy. In our Centennial year of 2015, the Trust wants to spark a movement…
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Advocate for People, Place & Philanthropy: Ben Helphand
Ben Helphand knows that when it comes to communities, it’s the little things that add up to the big picture. He says, “Small decisions make…
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Northwest Neighborhoods Riding High on The 606
With handmade flags waving and West African drumbeats setting the pace, cyclists and pedestrians brought The 606 recreational trail to life on June 6—a community celebration over…
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Think Good, It’s Friday! 6.5.15
This week, Chicago’s very own Brad Keywell made news by taking the Giving Pledge—a commitment made famous by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates—agreeing to give away…
