2025 Illinois General Assembly Recap
I came to The Chicago Community Trust in March after spending years as chief of staff to Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy. I…
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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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 19: Confronting Homeownership Barriers
While homeownership is often viewed as a pathway to building wealth, a range of challenges can hinder its effectiveness, particularly for specific groups.…
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Transforming the College Transfer Experience
In the Spring of 2006, my mother and I walked into a meeting with a public state university admissions counselor to discuss my…
“Critical Needs” Critical Needs
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2024 Holiday Shopping Guide
The Chicago Community Trust is committed to the vitality and well-being of the Chicago region and all who call it home. A key component of…
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From the Archives: 1984 – Basic Human Needs Fund Established
Addressing the basic needs of residents has always been a fundamental part of the Trust’s work. As homelessness and food insecurity rise in Chicago, the…
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Giving Season 2024: How You Can Support the Chicago Region
As our region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust serves as a platform for change, connecting philanthropy to impactful outcomes. Throughout the year, the Trust unites generous donors,…
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Listening, Learning and Leaning In
Trust’s refined strategic priorities reflect what we’ve learned and heard from our partners I came to the Trust a little over a year ago with…
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From the Archives: 1931 – Joint Emergency Relief Fund of Cook County
During our over 100-year history, The Chicago Community Trust has been dedicated to supporting the people of Chicago, especially during the most challenging economic times.…
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People, Power and Policy: Building the Foundation of Our Work
When The Chicago Community Trust set its North Star goal to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap as the best way to strengthen the…
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Sustainable Solutions for Housing Stability: Fulfilling Underserved Housing Needs
Amid an affordable housing shortage, skyrocketing rent, and COVID-era protections disappearing, rising homelessness has become one of the most prominent issues this decade. According to…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 16: Working Collaboratively to Address Community Safety
In this episode of Trust Talks, Jai Jones, Program Specialist for the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, is joined by Esther Franco-Payne (Executive Director,…
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Ayom Siengo
Ayom Siengo is the senior director of the Critical Needs strategy at The Chicago Community Trust. Ayom came to the Trust from Goodwill Industries of…
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Committed to Solving Homelessness
Responding to Chicagoans’ urgent needs has always been a vital part of the Trust’s mission — and right now, one of the most pressing needs…
