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

A Death Across the Street Inspires a Movement to Reclaim South Shore

Nov 3 2015

After living for 40 years in South Shore/South Chicago—two adjacent lakefront neighborhoods that have gone from middle-class haven to gang stronghold—Laura Morgan didn’t have much…
Equality Activist Evan Wolfson on Generosity, Government and Mending the World

Nov 2 2015

Serving as co-counsel in the landmark Hawaii marriage case Baehr v. Miike, which paved the way for the global freedom to marry movement, Evan Wolfson…
After a Tragic Loss, a Journalist Helps Us Reckon with Death

Oct 30 2015

WGN-TV reporter Randi Belisomo is on a mission to help her fellow Chicagoans learn to think in concrete terms about a very difficult topic—namely, that…
A Painter and a Sculptor Create Opportunity for Artists with Disabilities

Oct 28 2015

Sometimes life takes you in an unexpected direction. That’s the lesson learned by Rob Lentz and Mark Jackson, co-founders of Project Onward, a gallery and…
Protecting Oak Tree Ecosystems, One Partnership at a Time

Oct 27 2015

Catherine Game is the director of communications and engagement for Chicago Wilderness, a 200-plus-member alliance of conservation groups, government agencies, businesses and faith groups. Founded…
In Mt. Greenwood, One Lawyer Carries on Boxing’s Tradition of Giving Back

Oct 26 2015

On Chicago’s South Side, behind a small law office, sits Celtic Boxing Club. Mike Joyce, an attorney by day and boxing instructor by night, started…
LGBT Youth and Senior Services Gain New Support

Oct 23 2015

The Chicago Community Trust’s LGBT Community Fund kicked off its first round of community grant making at a reception on October 1. The Fund—founded in…
Young Boxers Gain Leadership, Respect—and the Support of the Chicago Cubs

Oct 21 2015

Professional boxers and players from the Chicago Cubs were in the house on September 2 for “Respect the Main Event,” a charity event hosted by…
An Army of ‘Angels,’ Making Sure No One Fights Cancer Alone

Oct 19 2015

In 2001, Jonny Imerman was 26, living in Detroit, earning an MBA and working in commercial real estate. He soon found out he had cancer.…
An Urban Gardener Builds a ‘Plot to Plate’ Movement for Chicago

Oct 16 2015

LaManda Joy grew up in a gardening family. Her parents were of the generation whose legacy included the Great Depression and victory gardens in the…