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CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST

Chicago Community Trust

Contact information:

111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-616-8000
Fax: 312-616-7995

Website: http://www.cct.org/

Type of foundation: Community

Types of grants: Program, capacity-building, capital, endowment. Many individual donors give through donor-advised funds (not open to proposals).

Description: The Chicago Community Trust makes grants that benefit the residents of Cook County. This can include statewide projects, as long as they benefit a significant number of people in Cook County. The Trust makes grants in the following areas:

  • Arts and Culture Program: supports arts organizations, arts engagement, capital/endowment support.
  • Basic Human Needs Program: supports programs that prevent hunger/homelessness and advocacy to expand basic social services.
  • Community Development Program: supports civic engagement, justice system reform, workforce development, affordable housing, infrastructure improvement.
  • Education Program: supports high performing schools.
  • Health Program: supports organizations working on public health issues including individual health choices, environmental health risks and health care system services.

Sample grants:

  • $250,000 to Chicago Public Radio in support of its Campaign for a Sound Future (2008).
  • $100,000 to WTTW Television in support of 10 Artbeat Chicago segments on the public affairs series, Chicago Tonight (2007).
  • $65,000 to WTTW Television to support 6 new Artbeat segments on Chicago Tonight (2008).
  • $20,000 to Community Television Network to present Crew 2/Year 2 film arts residencies in two Chicago public schools (2008).

Fit for public broadcasting: The Trust is a good fit for public media serving the residents of Cook County.

Eligibility: Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or use a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent. Organizations must be located in and/or primarily serve residents of Cook County. Regional, statewide and national projects are acceptable if they benefit a significant portion of Cook County residents. The Trust does not support:

  • Scholarships or individuals.
  • The sole purpose of writing, publishing, producing or distributing audio, visual or printed material.
  • The sole purpose of conducting conferences, festivals, exhibitions or meetings.
  • Reducing operating deficits or liquidating existing debt.

Deadline: The various funding areas have different deadlines.

How to apply: Organizations should register via the Trust's online grant system (accessible one month prior to each letter of inquiry deadline). Letters of inquiry are accepted only through the online application system. If the Trust is interested in a full proposal, it will request one.

Giving range: Requests over $25,000 are considered during the January, May and September grant cycles. Requests for smaller amounts are considered on a rolling basis.

Assets: $1.59 billion (year ending September 30, 2008)

Total giving: $107.8 million

View 2008 Annual Report.