Stories

Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.

All Stories

Partnerships & Initiatives

A Tribute to a 'Beautiful Soul': How the LGBT Community Fund Honored a Donor Family with a Memorial Grant

Aug 27 2020

Cindee and Bill Dietz want to make a difference in the world, and their long-time philanthropy is a reflection of those values. Whether giving back…
Grantmaking

The New Flexible Funding Program Supports and Accelerates Community-Driven Investment

Aug 25 2020 by Sandra Aponte

The Chicago Community Trust granted $1.2 million to community-driven investment-focused organizations to move forward on neighborhood opportunities that attract capital and leverage resources. We are…
Donor Profile

Mary B. Richardson-Lowry on Rising to the Moment Through Philanthropy

Aug 24 2020

In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Black philanthropists making their impact across the Chicago region. This…
Donor Profile

Darryl Rodgers Answers the Call to Serve

Aug 14 2020

In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Black philanthropists making their impact across the Chicago region. This…
Philanthropy & Giving

A Great Pairing: Charitable Lead Trusts and The Chicago Community Trust

Aug 13 2020 by Don Gottesman

In the current economic environment, many professional advisors are recommending charitable lead annuity trusts (“CLATs”) to their clients. With a lead trust, a client gives…
Grantmaking

United in Closing the Wealth Gap

Aug 11 2020

From payday loans that charge up to 400 percent interest rates to steep fines and fees on missed utility bill payments, many hurdles exist for…
Donor Profile

Danielle Fregia, One of Chicago’s Young Professionals Giving Back to Her Community

Aug 10 2020

In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, the Trust is featuring a series of conversations with Black philanthropists making their impact across the Chicago region. This…
Experts & Opinions

Building Economic Resilience for Families: A Dialogue on Cash Assistance

Jul 27 2020

In 2019, the Chicago Resilient Cities Task Force released a report laying out a roadmap to increase economic stability for struggling Chicago families—nearly half of…
Research & Reports

Trends in Charitable Giving – What 2019 Data Tells Us About Now

Jul 23 2020 by Nicole Layton

In June, Giving USA released The Annual Report on Philanthropy, the most influential publication on charitable giving in the United States. The big headline is that in…
Grantmaking

Trust Grants $2 Million to Address Critical Needs

Jul 15 2020

Building Pathway to Stability Program Funds 40 Nonprofits Across the Region The Chicago Community Trust recently announced $2 million in general operating grants to 40…