Unity Fund: A Look at Impact in 2024
The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a testament to the community spirit of the Chicago region and the power of collective giving. …
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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Using Arts and Culture to Spark Narrative Change
For many, art is a form of entertainment. For others, it also serves to inform audiences on society’s biggest issues, challenge harmful narratives,…
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LGBTQ Community Fund Grants $420,000 to Support Youth, Seniors, and the Arts in 2024
The LGBTQ Community Fund, an affinity fund of The Chicago Community Trust, unites donors to support Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Since its founding in 2010,…
All Stories
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A Chat Between Friends Leads to $340,000 Supporting Mental Health Services
During the toughest of times, many people feel the need to talk to someone about what they are going through. Youth and Family Counseling (YFC)…
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Think Good, It's Friday! 7.10.15
This week, the Today Show explored the “secrets of happiness,” prompted by a recent study that found much of our joy comes from simply being nice.…
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Listen to a Day in the Life of an Undocumented Immigrant
“I became a Vocalo Storyteller to express impactful stories that have affected my life and give a voice to the ignored nationwide issues the United…
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The Map Collector Who Shaped Chicago's Charitable Landscape
Hermon Dunlap Smith led both Marsh & McLennan, Inc., and The Chicago Community Trust. A brilliant philanthropic leader and businessman, Hermon “Dutch” Dunlap Smith served…
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Philanthropy as Small as a Box of Pens—And as Big as Asia
Homework help and tutoring in Chinatown. Health services for Laotian refugees in Elgin. Research-based public policy initiatives to benefit South Asian Americans. These valuable services…
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Young Storytellers Capture Unsung Heroes with Vocalo Radio
Maple tree tapping at Northwestern University; scholarships for undocumented college hopefuls; a theatre company that promotes healing through performance; and an LGBT safe haven at…
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5,000 Strong, Chicagoans Love Giving Back
On Saturday, June 27, 2015, Chicago Cares held its 22nd annual Serve-a-thon, the city’s largest, single-day community service project. Nearly 5,000 volunteers in approximately 300 teams, representing more…
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Surviving Against the Odds, She Finds Her Destiny in Service
The baby girl born July 4, 1998 was 3 1/2 months premature and weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces. The doctor who attended the birth…
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Studio and Safe Space: CHIRP Radio at the Urban Art Retreat
Nestled between the Metra and the CTA’s Pink Line, a few blocks from Douglas Park, is a typical Chicago three-flat, which is home to the…
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No Human Interaction Is Just One-Way': Brian Brady
Happy 4th of July! Today, we remember what it means to be Americans and celebrate all that entails—including the right to represent ourselves in the…
