The Power of Collective Advocacy & Collaboration
In communities across Illinois, families work hard to build stable lives, but the systems meant to support them often fall short. Whether it’s…
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
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We’re Stronger Together
Since joining The Chicago Community Trust three years ago, I’ve been thinking about ways to ensure those most affected by our decisions are…
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Disabilities Fund Awards Over $355,000 in Community-Based Grants
Disabilities Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, recently restructured and piloted their first ever open call Request for Proposals (RFP) grant process.…
“Critical Needs” Critical Needs
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Uniting to Address Violence
Because we believe our region can’t truly thrive until all communities are free from violence, the Trust is proud to support SC2 (Scaling Community Violence Intervention…
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Caring for Our Neighbors by Addressing Critical Needs
While homelessness in the U.S. increased by 18.1% in 2024, Chicago’s numbers more than tripled. This staggering increase stems from many factors, including a lack of…
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Amidst Uncertainties, Trust is Helping Nonprofits Continue to Meet Community Needs
As the federal government cuts funding and programs that support essential services, such as closing the Chicago-based Midwest regional office of the Department of Health…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 18: Supporting Our Immigrant Communities
The truth about immigration in the United States is that unless you are Native American, we all came from somewhere else. Yet, in 2025, the…
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Data Backs the Benefits of Guaranteed Income
Since 2021, more than 150 guaranteed income pilots have launched across 35 states across the U.S., aiding upwards of 55,000 people. Between 2022 and 2024*,…
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Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC)
The Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative (IFC) is a grantmaking collaborative that awards grants to nonprofit organizations working with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. IFC funding…
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Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2024
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the community spirit of the Chicago region and the power of collective giving. Since its…
