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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Engaging Grassroots Organizations Are Essential for Large-Scale Impact
Have you ever encountered a situation that filled you with triumph, grace, and determination, or experienced someone’s passion in a way that reignited your own?…
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From the Archives: 1920 – YWCA of Chicago
The Trust has been committed to addressing pressing issues facing women and children in Chicago since early in our history. An example of this work…
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Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2023
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…
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On Community Impact: A Q&A with Marisa Novara
Community Foundation Week (November 12-18) is an annual, national campaign celebrating the role local philanthropy plays in empowering positive social and economic community change. In this Q&A,…
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Giving Season 2023: How You Can Support the Chicago Region
Learn about two ways you can support the Chicago region and consider giving to the following initiatives this giving season: Unity Fund Unity Fund serves…
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Marisa Novara
Marisa Novara is the vice president of Community Impact at The Chicago Community Trust. In this role, Marisa Novara leads the team overseeing the development…
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Building Pathways to Stability Through Increased Access to Essential Services
The Chicago Community Trust’s Addressing Critical Needs team recognizes that people cannot reach their full potential when basic human needs are not met, whether that…
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Creating Systems-Level Change to Improve How People Receive Social Services
Since our inception, The Chicago Community Trust has supported the health and human services sector. From our very first grant to United Charities of Chicago…
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Investing in Youth Leadership Development is Essential for Community Safety
Safe spaces allow hope to thrive, visions to be realized, and youth to find their voices. Whether it is young women learning about media literacy…
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Pride Month Spotlight: The Night Ministry
To celebrate Pride Month, the Trust will spotlight LGBTQ-serving organizations that contribute to fostering a safe and inclusive community by responding to the most pressing…
