Lisandra Lao, and How She’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Young Philanthropists
For 30 years, The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF) has empowered young adults to actively participate in philanthropy by interacting with…
Critical Needs
Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.
Recent
-
-
Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Policy Reform
When the Trust decided to integrate policy change into our strategies, we did so recognizing that to achieve our mission of a thriving…
-
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,…
“Critical Needs” Critical Needs
-
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 it home.…
-
As 2025 Winds Down...
A Note from Our CEO As 2025 winds down and we gather for holiday celebrations, I’ve been reflecting with friends and colleagues on the challenges…
-
Trusted Voices: Addressing Hunger in Chicago
Families throughout Chicago are struggling to put food on their tables. Rising grocery and housing costs continue to strain household budgets, and pending cuts to…
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 23: Understanding the Impact of Public Benefits
When most people picture hunger in America, they think of food pantries. Yet for every meal a pantry provides, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)…
-
Rooted in Care: Community Partners Are Charting Paths to Housing Stability
Housing instability can significantly impact a person’s health and economic outcomes, including physical, mental and behavioral well-being. Stable housing provides a foundation not only for…
-
Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC)
The Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC) is a grantmakers collaborative that awards funds to nonprofit organizations serving immigrants and refugees. IFC funding prioritizes three areas:…
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 21: Navigating Solutions to Homelessness
Over the past decade, homelessness in the Chicago area has been on the rise, and the latest numbers are especially troubling. According to the City…
-
Planting Seeds of Change
The front door creaks open as the late afternoon sun spills into a small apartment on Chicago’s West Side. Backpacks hit the floor. A child’s…
-
Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors
The Chicago region has a long and valued tradition of community organizations working alongside government to deliver essential services and enhance residents’ lives. This model…
-
Feeding Change in Our Region
The Chicago Region Food System Fund is a group of funders and community partners working together to build a more resilient local food system while…
