Our Work

The Trust brings together generous donors, committed organizations, and caring residents to effect lasting change that makes our region better for all.

Explore Our Strategy Areas

Strategy Area
Household Wealth
Addressing the wealth gap at the household level by increasing incomes, building assets, and reducing debt.
Strategy Area
Community Wealth
Addressing the wealth gap at the neighborhood level through more investment in community-led revitalization.
Strategy Area
Collective Power
Addressing the wealth gap at the community level by connecting people, amplifying resident voice, and sparking action.

Strategy Area
Policy Change
Supporting and advancing policy and advocacy efforts to effect systemic change.
Strategy Area
Critical Needs
Supporting essential service organizations that are addressing the most basic and immediate needs of individuals and families across our region.
Strategy Area
Connecting Philanthropy to Impact
Catalyzing the generosity of our partners to advance equity, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

Our Work is More Than Grantmaking

Philanthropy is our business. It’s what happens between when donations come in and when organizations are funded, that makes The Chicago Community Trust experience truly unique. The strength of our expertise goes to work—no matter what your philanthropic goals—to ensure your generosity can do the greatest good for our region and beyond.

Working in Partnership & Collaboration

We collaborate and partner with impactful local organizations and individuals working to effect lasting change in the Chicago region.

Policymakers

Just as policies and systems have created the racial and ethnic wealth gap, policy and systems reforms will be critical to closing it. As a public charity, the Trust is able to focus a portion of our energies on policy and advocacy in support of our mission. As a result, we are working with policymakers and coalitions to advance policies and systems that support racial and economic equity.

Donors

The Trust partners with our generous donors to help them realize their philanthropic goals and ensure their giving can do the greatest good. We share with interested donors our deep knowledge of the nonprofit sector, and we invite them to collaborate with us on strategic opportunities to make an even greater impact together.

Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are the heartbeat that makes our region stronger and our communities more resilient. The Trust funds nonprofits that are working to close the region’s racial and ethnic wealth gap and to address residents’ most critical needs.

Private Sector

Philanthropy and government alone cannot tackle inequity. Recognizing that we can do far more together, the Trust is committed to partnering with businesses and other funders to advance equity, opportunity, and systems change.

Questions?

Looking for more information on our strategic plan?

Take a look at our FAQs.