Asking “what if” sparks hope and inspires action. At The Chicago Community Trust, we start with the question and, through partnerships, seek answers that lead to lasting change. With our 2022 Annual Report, we honor accomplishments and embrace curiosity as our guide to even greater impact.
Thank you for your continued commitment to what’s possible for each and every one of us.
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO AND CHAIR
DEAR FRIENDS,
Sometimes a big journey begins with a simple question.
The Trust knows the pathway to realizing these aspirations can seem daunting. Allowing ourselves to ask “what if” opens our mindset to new ideas and solutions.
When we question what is possible, we invite everyone to imagine their role in building a more equitable and prosperous Chicago region.
Maybe you’re a lifelong resident like Jim, who was raised in Englewood and lives on the city’s South Side. Or maybe like Andrea, an immigrant from Ecuador who grew up in Los Angeles, you moved here as an adult and fell in love with Chicago.
No matter which path you took to get here, we all have a stake in making the Chicago region an even better place to live. With the right solutions and policies, we can build a Chicago where everyone has access to quality education, fulfilling work, homeownership, financial security, and a flourishing community.
With Andrea’s appointment to CEO, after four years as chief operating officer, the Trust will continue on its path to close the region’s racial and ethnic wealth gap and build a stronger Chicago. We are proud to do so in collaboration with donors, nonprofit partners, and all who share our deep love of and commitment to the region.
Together, we will transform “what ifs” into meaningful action that brings to life our vision of a Chicago region where opportunity and prosperity are within reach for all.
Andrea Sáenz
President & CEO
James Reynolds, Jr.
Executive Committee Chair
MOBILIZED FOR IMPACT
For the past 100+ years, The Chicago Community Trust has brought donors, nonprofits, caring residents, and business and civic leaders together to address our region’s most pressing needs.
WE CONTRIBUTE TO A STRONGER REGION BY:
- STEWARDING ASSETS AND ADVISING AND SUPPORTING DONORS IN ACHIEVING IMPACT
- CREATING IMPACTFUL GRANT MAKING STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS
- CONVENING NONPROFITS, PARTNERS, AND CIVIC LEADERS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
- SUPPORTING POLICY AND SYSTEMS CHANGES
The Trust is four years into a 10-year strategic focus on closing the region’s racial and ethnic wealth gap.
Not having wealth makes it difficult to afford life’s basic needs. It also makes it harder to meet educational goals, pursue a career with advancement potential, live in a thriving neighborhood, and lead a long and healthy life.
The Trust is focused on confronting wealth inequities because they’re a root cause of homelessness, violence, the health gap, the education gap, and many other societal challenges. They also hold our region back from meeting its full economic potential.
Only 13% of Cook County’s Black residents and 16% of Latinx residents are considered financially healthy, compared with 49% of white residents.
Financial Health Pulse® 2022 Chicago Report, produced by Financial Health Network in partnership with the Trust
Only 13% of Cook County’s Black residents and 16% of Latinx residents are considered financially healthy, compared with 49% of white residents.
Financial Health Pulse® 2022 Chicago Report, produced by Financial Health Network in partnership with the Trust