Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 24: Sustaining Chicago's Cultural Ecosystem
Chicago is one of the most influential cultural cities in the United States, known for its distinctive blend of architecture, visual arts, music,…
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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Claude and Britney, Two Donald Stewart Fellows, Reflect on How Their Commitment to Community Led Them to the African American Legacy Fund
Claude Robinson and Britney Robbins joined African American Legacy (AAL) from different paths—Claude as a staunch advocate for uplifting African American communities; Britney…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Awards $619,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support nonprofit organizations that serve the Chicago region’s LGBTQ…
All Stories
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Kane County’s Recycling Efforts Serve as Model for the Region
Kane County residents in western Illinois last year recycled 413 truckloads—11.2 million pounds—of electronics. Citizens stuffed truck beds to the brim with boxes of objects banned…
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Chicago Tackles Wage Theft Issue Seen Nationwide
When Liliana Baca clocked out each week from her job at a grocery store, the count would total more than 55 hours. Even though the…
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After School Programs Give Teens a Step Up in Job Market
Chicago high school students have been spending their after-school hours with their hands in the dirt. From building garden beds to designing logos to crafting…
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The Eternal Challenge of Ensuring Your Wishes Live on After You Are Gone
Mortmain (the French word for “dead hand”) represents the danger of unintended consequences in a will or estate plan. A serious dilemma occurs for trustees…
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Maynard J. and Elinor S. Marks Led Support for the Elderly
Maynard J. and Elinor S. Marks were compassionate advocates and supporters for the elderly. Issues such as the shortage of nursing care led them to…
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The Trust Shifts its Focus to Healthcare
Dr. Lowell T. Coggeshall helped the Trust shift its focus to healthcare during the 1960s. Dr. Coggeshall served for three decades as the Trust’s medical…
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The Trust Receives a Saloon
Before he became its first executive director, Frank Loomis gave the Trust a unique gift: a saloon. Trust chair Clifford Barnes first met Loomis while…
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The Searles Are Making a Better Future
John G. Searle felt that personal success created an obligation to help others. Inherited from his father, Gideon Daniel Searle, while it was still a…
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Inspiration in Practice: Barbara Austin Foote
In 1978 Barbara Austin Foote became the first woman to lead the Trust’s Executive Committee. The eldest daughter of Edwin C. Austin, the former legal…
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The Quiet and Patient Leader: Frank Loomis
Relief was the goal of early 20th century philanthropy. An annual report at the time described the Trust’s involvement as “community-wide humanitarian work” for residents…
