South Side Sanctuary: A Place for Outdoor Recreation, Exploring Creativity, and Improving Wellbeing
Our environment has a huge impact on our well-being. Research has shown that access to outdoor amenities can reduce stress and improve physical…
Stories
Spotlights on community issues, the people, and the organizations who contribute to effective philanthropy as well as a stronger Chicago region and world.
Recent Stories
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From the Archives: 2015 – ADA 25 Chicago
December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day that advances awareness of issues faced by the disability community. In 2022,…
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Trusted Voices: Unity Fund Creates a Pathway to Well-Being
Addressing residents’ most urgent needs is at the heart of our work as the Chicago region’s community foundation. The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity…
All Stories
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‘Public Health Approach’ to Drug Crime Creates Fairer Courtrooms, Safer Communities
One of the goals of the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice is to ratchet down the number of men and women who spend time in…
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A South Side Farm Teaches Yoga, Art, and 'Doing the World Differently'
How does a downtown Buddhist find herself practicing yoga with dozens of schoolchildren on the South side? Robbin Carroll, founder and president of I Grow…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 8.7.15
What does it mean to be a citizen? I enjoyed reading this article in the Atlantic about Harvard’s Project Zero program, which is exploring how…
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Sights & Sounds of Philanthropy: Summer in Chicago Edition
There’s no denying it. Nothing beats summertime in Chicago. Locals and tourists alike love being outside and exploring the city during the warm-weather months. We…
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How Much Indirect Cost? Empower Nonprofits: Let Them Decide
For decades foundations (and government) have worried over how much indirect cost to allow their nonprofit grant recipients to charge on grants. Five percent? Ten…
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A Startup Entrepreneur and Literacy Champion, on Her 'Path Back to Generosity’
At the age of 35, recipient of The Chicago Community Trust Fellowship and serial entrepreneur Stacy Ratner was a veteran of four venture-backed startup companies…
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The Compassionate Exterminator: Controlling Bedbugs for Neighbors in Need
Hard-working Martinez Williams knows how to make a quick buck. His entrepreneurial streak started in his teens. First, he was a hair model for Soft…
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The First Great Donor: James A. Patten
In 1924 James A. Patten gave assets to the Trust that survive to this day. Known as the “Wheat King,” Patten amassed a fortune on the commodities…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 7.31.15
This past Sunday, July 26, people across the country celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here in Chicago, the Trust…
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A Hip-Hop Artist and a Nurse, Both Inspiring a New Generation
Sometimes philanthropy is the simple act of listening or the telling of a story to celebrate someone’s life. This week’s stories from the Vocalo Storytellers…
