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

Illinois' Budget Impasse and Chicago's Violence Crisis

Jun 16 2016

Co-authored by: Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust; Grace Hou, president of Woods Fund Chicago; and Leslie Ramyk, executive director of…
Growing Up—and Grieving—as a Gay Muslim American

Jun 15 2016

Upon learning that someone has died, Muslims recite “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un”: “We surely belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”…
Philanthropic Kids Set the Agenda to "Make Our City Great"

Jun 15 2016

How can we engage our children in service so compellingly that they’ll make it a lifelong habit? The Honeycomb Project has been addressing that question…
In Chicago's Highest Fire Risk Neighborhoods, Protecting Homes and Families

Jun 14 2016

Christine White opened her door on a Saturday morning to welcome the American Red Cross inside. “I’ve never needed your services, thank God,” she told…
The Retired Educator Building Literacy Centers Across Joliet

Jun 13 2016

In 1974, during the fourth Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend, a small team of women came together in a Washington D.C. hotel room and mapped…
Leading the Next Generation of Ocean Preservation

Jun 10 2016

Before she’d ever heard of Chicago or Lake Michigan, Daniela Fernandez spent happy times at the beach in Ecuador. Those times lasted until she was…
"People Business": An Investment Banking Magnate Embraces Generosity

Jun 8 2016

At the age of eight, J. Ira Harris went to work. It was 1946, and he brought home money for his family by selling newspapers…
After Reparations, Police Torture Survivors Seek Justice and Healing

Jun 7 2016

On May 10, as the sun fell, 13 people sat down at the Arts Incubator on East Garfield Boulevard to talk about the trauma of…
Inside a Supercharged Celebration of Teen Philanthropy

Jun 3 2016

On April 29th, more than 15,000 young people gathered in Allstate Arena for a massive interactive stage event, featuring concerts, activities, and world-renowned speakers—all to…
Seven Tables, One Passion for the Place We Call Home

Jun 2 2016

On May 10, I was awed to see more than 55,000 people around Chicago participate in more than 3,500 conversations for On the Table 2016,…