What New Research Reveals About Chicago's Homeownership Gap
Chicago thrives when residents feel they can make a home here, put down roots, and invest in their future and their community. In…
Connecting Philanthropy to Impact
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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Chicago’s Next Chapter in Equitable Transit-Oriented Development
Five years ago this June, the City of Chicago adopted a bold vision and framework for equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD). The Chicago Plan…
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"A Philanthropist Is Anyone Who Shows Up": Claudette Baker on Redefining Giving
For Claudette Baker, philanthropy has meant a lifelong commitment to strengthening communities through her professional work in nonprofit leadership and public service and…
“Connecting Philanthropy to Impact” Connecting Philanthropy to Impact
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Building Housing Stability in Chicago: What We’re Learning and Funding
A new report from Housing Action Illinois and the National Low Income Housing Coalition finds our region is short 225,000 affordable rental units for low-income…
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Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 25: Transforming College Transfer Pathways in Illinois
In Illinois, nearly 80 percent of community college students say they plan to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree, yet only about 35 percent actually…
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How Restricted Funds Can Support Chicago’s Creative Community
For many donors, a love of the arts is deeply personal, shaped by formative experiences in classrooms, concert halls, neighborhood theaters, and community centers. That…
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From the Archives: 1973 – James Brown IV & the Community Service Award
April marks National Volunteer Month, celebrating those who dedicate their time and resources to community service. Few in the Trust’s history embody volunteerism more than…
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Nuestro Futuro Awards $250,000 in 2025 End-of-Year Rapid Response Grantmaking
Nuestro Futuro, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, elevates Latine philanthropy to support Chicago-area organizations and programs aimed at improving the quality of life…
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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 grassroots nonprofits,…
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Rose Shapiro
Rose Shapiro is the program specialist for the Resilient Chicago Fund, and multi-funder initiative housed at The Chicago Community Trust. Prior to joining the Trust,…
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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, theater, and…
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Claude and Britney, Two Donald Stewart Fellows, Reflect on How Their Commitment to Community Led Them to the African American Legacy Fund
Claude Robinson and Britney Robbins joined African American Legacy (AAL) from different paths—Claude as a staunch advocate for uplifting African American communities; Britney as CEO…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Awards $619,000 in its 2025 Grantmaking Cycle
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support nonprofit organizations that serve the Chicago region’s LGBTQ community. Since…
