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…
Policy Change
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…
“Policy Change” Policy Change
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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 spent much…
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Supporting Local Ownership in South Shore
South Shore is deeply proud of its history and legacy as an economically diverse, predominantly Black lakefront community. The area boasts countless amenities such as…
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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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Torrence Gardner
Torrence Gardner is the manager of policy change on the People, Power and Policy team at The Chicago Community Trust. Torrence is a dedicated advocate…
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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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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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Community Voices + Policy Change Are Powering Neighborhood Investment
For over 20 years, Florence Spann and her husband have spent their time and resources maintaining not just their own property (a two-story corner home…
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Property Tax Sales Reform: What it Means & What’s Next
Public Act 103-0555, which reforms the Illinois Property Tax Sale system by closing loopholes that prevent blighted properties from redevelopment and allowing local governments to…
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Advancing Equitable Wealth Policy: Building on Three Years of Coalition Work and Policy Wins
Recognizing the important role systems and policy change play in closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap, The Chicago Community Trust launched the Coalitions for…
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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,…
