Volunteers planting a tree in Busse Woods.

Jun 19 2015

Think Good, It’s Friday! 6.19.15

Note: This article was posted prior to the Trust's current strategy.

Take a look at Our Work to learn more about what the Trust is focused on today.

Where We Are Now

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 between 2013 and 2014.

Numbers aside, it’s heartening to see strong growth in charitable giving across the nation. From the Trust’s Giving in Chicago study released this spring, we know that Chicagoans are more likely to give to charity on average than people elsewhere in the United States—and that includes more than just dollars. It’s planting trees, mentoring kids, donating to a local food pantry… the list is endless. Every day, we see that the time and talent Chicago-area residents share to help our neighbors and strengthen our communities really do matter.

How do you give? Please share your story of philanthropy here at cct.org, by sending an email to trust100@cct.org or on social media using the hashtag #Trust100.

More good news from around the Web:

  • NBC5 Chicago’s 21st Century Solutions grant program helps nonprofits implement innovative solutions in civic engagement, education, environment, jobs and economic empowerment, media arts and technology. This year, they’ll be awarding $100,000 in the Chicagoland area.
  • This 95-year-old veteran in Chatham not only spends hours taking care of his own garden; he also plants flowers and cuts the grass for his neighbors—making his community more beautiful for all to enjoy.
  • Kudos to American Airlines for helping this seven-year-old with a heart defect fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
  • This week, the Chicago City Council approved a proposal that will provide funding and a bus to Growing Power Inc. that will be used to deliver produce to food deserts on the city’s South and West sides.
  • A Chicago police sergeant who restores police cruisers to honor officers who’ve given their lives in the line of duty will be driving a 1973 Chevrolet this weekend with his dad to a Father’s Day event at the Cleveland Police Museum.

Happy weekend and Happy Father’s Day from The Chicago Community Trust.

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