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
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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…
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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
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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…
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Back of the Yards Is A Community of People Who Are Creating Their Own Destiny
The story of Back of the Yards is about so much more than the Union Stockyards. The meatpacking industry in this Southwest Side neighborhood, which…
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North Lawndale Is A Resilient Community Forging Its Own Future
Located on the city’s West Side, North Lawndale is where Dr. King campaigned to end slum housing in 1966. The housing was substandard in part…
