More Than a Paycheck: What It Takes to Get Ahead
Two days before my brother’s 10th birthday, my family was on the brink of bankruptcy. My parents’ small business hadn’t hit its growth…
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
-
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 27: Fueling Small Business Growth in Chicago
Small businesses are essential to stabilizing neighborhood economies. They create jobs, activate commercial corridors, and provide the goods and services that help communities…
-
“Can I Invest in Community to Do Good?” Samuel Muñeton Jr. Shows Us How.
For Samuel Muñeton Jr., his philanthropy has come full circle. In his youth, Sam benefited directly from mentors and others in his community…
“Policy Change” Policy Change
-
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 Commission unanimously…
-
Bryana Dyson
Bryana Dyson is an impact coordinator for the People, Power and Policy team at The Chicago Community Trust.
-
Mae Capaldi
Mae Capaldi is an impact coordinator for the People, Power and Policy team at The Chicago Community Trust.
-
Progress on the Trust’s Policy Priorities in the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session
As the Illinois General Assembly adjourned the spring 2026 legislative session on June 1st, the state closed out a consequential period marked by significant progress…
-
A Stronger Start for Illinois Families
A friend recently confided in me — something they felt nervous to share —that they had once relied on monthly cash support from a government…
-
Developing Leaders, Strengthening Communities
The Chicago Community Trust launched the Community & Civic Leadership funding program to support established leadership development programs and organizations with a proven track record…
-
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 Chicago where…
-
Financial Health in Cook County: Why it Matters and How Policy Impacts Financial Well-Being
In 2025, The Chicago Community Trust, with support from JPMorganChase, commissioned the Financial Health Network to update the findings of its Financial Health Pulse® Chicago…
-
As 2025 Winds Down...
A Note from Our CEO As 2025 winds down and we gather for holiday celebrations, I’ve been reflecting with friends and colleagues on the challenges…
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 23: Understanding the Impact of Public Benefits
When most people picture hunger in America, they think of food pantries. Yet for every meal a pantry provides, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)…
