Trusted Voices: Reimagining How We Meet Critical Needs
Across the region, households are struggling to make ends meet amid rising costs, changes in federal policies and social service programs, and funding…
Stories
Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.
Recent Stories
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Giving Insights: Caring for Chicago Over Generations
Narcissa Niblack Thorne is best known as the creator of the beloved Thorne Miniature Rooms—68 of which are housed at the Art Institute…
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Chicago’s Housing Future Is in Its Past: Look to the “Missing Middle"
Like the rest of the country, Chicago is facing an affordable housing crisis. Some neighborhoods boast houses that are too pricey for many…
“Experts & Opinions” Stories
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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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Making Great Things Happen by Connecting People to Purpose
Over my three decades in philanthropy, I have learned so much from donors and nonprofit leaders about generosity and commitment. A theme that continues to…
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It’s Systemic Barriers, Not Individual Choices, that Prevent Black and Latine Households from Building Wealth
When the Trust committed to working to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap for Chicagoans, we knew we would need robust data to better…
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From Latinx to Latine: How We Are Evolving Alongside Our Community
As a community foundation, listening and learning from our partners is critical to our work. This type of organizational reflection enables us to improve how we…
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How The Chicago Community Trust is Using Data to Drive Change
Businesses routinely use data analysis to make investment decisions and measure the results. More and more, philanthropic organizations are using the same data to help…
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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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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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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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National Philanthropy Day: A Q&A with Sheila Cawley
Chief Philanthropy Officer Sheila Cawley joined the Trust in August with more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy and previous leadership roles at Chicago…
