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
-
-
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…
-
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…
All Stories
-
Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 18: Supporting Our Immigrant Communities
The truth about immigration in the United States is that unless you are Native American, we all came from somewhere else. Yet, in 2025, the…
-
Giving Insights: Supporting the Next Generation of Philanthropists
For many people, their first ideas about service and what it means to give back start at the kitchen table. “So much of what we…
-
Trusted Voices: Giving to Meet the Moment
Together, we can do more to support the organizations providing essential services to our neighbors. At the Trust, we are mobilizing responsive grants to organizations that…
-
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*,…
-
Creating a More Inclusive Future: A Q&A with Adam Ballard
The Disabilities Fund at The Chicago Community Trust is an affinity fund that supports organizations advancing disability inclusion, rights and justice. Recently, the Fund underwent…
-
From the Archives: 2015 – Chicago Women in Philanthropy
March is a month dedicated to celebrating the drive and accomplishments of women. For three Trust staff members, one organization stands out by offering empowering…
-
Amplifying Black Voices in the Arts
Organizations like D-Composed and ILA Creative Studio are redefining representation in their respective spaces. Through educational programming, community events, and resources, these organizations are working…
-
The Transformative Power of Art: Building a More United Chicago
On January 21, community activists, leaders and residents from across the city braved one of the coldest nights of the year to gather in the…
-
Neighborhood Development Champions: Bolstering the Capacity of Community Development Organizations
A Q&A with Edwin Tobar and Mariah Van Ermen The Trust established the Flexible Funding program in 2020 to fund key community development organizations whose…
-
Paving the Path to Homeownership for Housing Choice Voucher Holders
Since the mid-20th century, homeownership has been one of the most important vehicles for building wealth in the United States. According to research from the…
