The Chicago Community Trust

Metropolitan Family Services is proud to present the 2024 Legacy Award to The Chicago Community Trust Trust, accepted by Andrea Sáenz. This special video highlights the connection that has spanned over 100 years between MFS and The Trust.

Meet Adriana Viteri, one of the Trust’s Senior Philanthropic Advisors. In her role, she is responsible for building and cultivating trust-based relationships with current and prospective donors and grant partners to help them make the most out of their grantmaking. “To me, philanthropy—love of humanity—has always been present, needed and celebrated,” she says. This giving season, swipe to learn more from Adriana about the importance of #philanthropy and why it is all around us. #Chicago www.cct.org/give

Catch the Trust's Marisa Novara next Tuesday, November 12th @ 6pm with the Chicago Architecture Center as she moderates a panel discussion with innovative architectural practitioners and contributors to "Housing the Nation." The group will converse on: "How can we address the housing crisis in a way that increases social equity? How can architecture and design help achieve these goals?" #Chicago Tickets: https://bit.ly/4ef0ueC

As our region’s community foundation, The Chicago Community Trust serves as a platform for change, connecting philanthropy to impactful outcomes. Let’s work together to increase opportunities and well-being for every Chicagoan, because when our neighbors do better, we all do better. This giving season, consider supporting the #Chicago region by donating to the following funds: • The Trust’s Unity Fund is a collaborative effort that gathers contributions from various donors to support nonprofit organizations addressing our region’s most urgent needs—including providing emergency food, clothing, housing, health care, legal services, and more to individuals and families. Since its founding in 2008, the fund has made more than $19 million in grants to hundreds of nonprofits that serve our neighbors. • Giving directly to the Trust allows us the flexibility to mobilize grant dollars that advance equity and address the region’s most pressing needs. A gift to our Unrestricted Fund helps us achieve our vision of a thriving, equitable and connected Chicago region where people of all races, places and identities have the opportunity to reach their potential. Details: https://lnkd.in/ghw_rm6r

Curious about the origins of my #FoldedMap project? I’m excited to share my 30-minute animated film that dives into the story behind it and sheds light on Chicago’s segregation in an engaging way. If you’d like to watch and share it with those who would benefit, just comment Yes below, and I’ll reply with the link and password. Let’s spread awareness and drive change together!

There's still time to register for our Nov. 12 panel with local and national architects designing the future of affordable, supportive, and missing middle housing! It's sure to be a fascinating conversation delving into design and policy solutions to the housing crisis. Panelists: Alexander Gorlin - Principal, Alexander Gorlin Architects, NYC Catherine Baker, FAIA - Founder, Nowhere Collaborative, NW Indiana Jaime Torres Carmona - Founding Principal, Canopy / architecture + design, Chicago Paulett Taggart, FAIA - Founder, Paulett Taggart Architects, Bay Area Moderator: Marisa Novara, VP of Community Impact at The Chicago Community Trust and former Chicago housing commissioner. Register today! https://lnkd.in/gr35s4tD 📸: El Borinquen, NYC. ©Michael Moran, courtesy of Alexander Gorlin Architects. #AffordableHousing #MissingMiddle #HousingCrisis

Meet Abbe Temkin, one of the Trust’s Senior Philanthropic Advisors. In her role, she fosters relationships with families and individuals to develop giving strategies and maximize the impact of their generosity. Abbe also provides guidance and support in legacy planning and higher education #philanthropy. Her advice: “My most important piece of advice on effective giving is to not overthink it. Do not let perfection be the enemy of good, and remember that this is not hard—philanthropy should feel good for both the donor and the recipient.” This giving season, swipe to learn from Abbe on why it’s important to help others. #Chicago www.cct.org/give

Congratulations again to the undefeated Innovation & Technology Department at The Chicago Community Trust for winning this year's group costume for our staff #Halloween costume contest! 👻 #HappyHalloween #Chicago 🎃

Every month, interns from the Gary Comer Youth Center, a Trust grant recipient, visit The Roof Crop's West Loop headquarters for lessons in urban farming, sustainability and the restaurant business. It's part of a new program that aims to expose students to the agriculture business. #Chicago Learn more: https://bit.ly/3BZwBSk

Two Black South Side business owners struggled to secure bank loans to complete their community investment projects after being given city grants created to address disinvestment in neighborhoods of color. City grant programs are helpful, but sometimes business owners cannot access the money because banks are reluctant to give loans to projects in underinvested areas. Small business owners say they need capital, not additional programs or assistance. #Chicago Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Us6Y2P