From the Archives: 1931 — Joint Emergency Relief Fund of Cook County

During our over 100-year history, The Chicago Community Trust has been dedicated to supporting the people of Chicago, especially during the most challenging economic times. At multiple points in our history, we have acted as a partner to governments, nonprofits, and philanthropists who rise to the challenge of supporting our communities through times of great need. At times when Chicagoans are most vulnerable, we have gone beyond our role as a grant maker to assist and in some cases, lead city-wide efforts deploying resources to organizations on the front lines.  

In October 1930, the Trust played a significant role in aiding vulnerable Chicago residents following the devastating stock market crash known as Black Thursday on October 24, 1929. What followed was the longest and worst economic downturn in U.S. history, the Great Depression, which lasted from 1929-1939. Chicago, heavily reliant on manufacturing, saw only 50% of workers in the sector still employed in 1933.   

Those who found themselves unemployed or unhoused were in desperate need of temporary relief, and the city and private charities couldn’t fully meet their needs. In response, the Trust developed relief funds that raised millions for social welfare organizations struggling in the wake of the economic collapse. 

In October 1930, Illinois Governor Louis Emmerson appointed Frank Loomis, executive director of The Chicago Community Trust, to lead the Governor’s Commission on Unemployment and Relief. Edward L. Ryerson, a steel magnate and philanthropist, served as the commission’s vice-chair. Together, they raised nearly $5 million – $70 million in today’s dollars – to benefit over 138,000 families by funding organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. 

In 1931, Loomis appointed Ryerson to the Trust’s Executive Committee. That same year, the success of the commission’s first campaign led to the creation of the Joint Emergency Relief Fund, with Ryerson serving as president and Loomis serving as secretary. The Relief Fund raised $10.5 million for organizations providing relief to Chicagoans. In 1934, the two men also established the Community Fund, a precursor to today’s United Way of Metro Chicago. Their success inspired other civic leaders and philanthropists to establish similar campaigns across the city.  

In addition to their leadership in city-wide relief measures, Ryerson and Loomis spearheaded multiple drives at the Trust that raised $22 million for relief between 1930 and 1933. They remained strong allies until the end of their lives.  

More than 70 years later, the Trust continues to support relief efforts by rallying philanthropic support for collective giving efforts that pool resources and support frontline organizations meeting the most critical needs. In 2008, we launched the Unity Challenge – the precursor to the Unity Fund that raised $4 million for organizations that served the most vulnerable Chicagoans. In March 2020, the Trust and the United Way of Metro Chicago partnered with the City of Chicago, business leaders, and donors to establish the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which raised more than $35 million in just six months. No matter what the future holds for our region, we are grateful to the partners and donors who entrust us to support organizations helping our communities get through the toughest times.