For a large and rapidly expanding group of donors, philanthropy is about more than writing a check — it’s about creating true impact and facilitating transformative change that lasts. They seek proof that their charity will help make lives, families, and communities better. These donors like to use their philanthropic capital just as wisely as […]
What began as a one-day event for car enthusiasts has evolved into something more enduring — and instructive — for those interested in local philanthropy, strategic giving, and the long-term stewardship of wealth and values. Clearwater Capital Foundation’s 5th Annual Charity Supercar Show, held June 21 at the firm’s Hoffman Estates headquarters, brought together more […]
Whether they’re supporting education and mental health causes, investing, or helping care for their grandchildren, Liz and Kent Dauten offer a compelling model for how values can guide every aspect of life and work. As recipients of the Big Shoulders Fund’s 2025 Humanitarian Award, they exemplify what it looks like to lead with purpose — […]
In a time when many nonprofits are struggling to sustain year-over-year support — and donors seek more transparency about where their money goes — a small church just north of Chicago has quietly built a model of grassroots philanthropy that’s helped dozens of local organizations not just survive, but thrive. Kenilworth Union Church’s approach might […]
In October, we shared the story of the Carleo family, whose bank accounts were cleaned out to the tune of $130,000 after a mysterious phone call. The Carleos got their money back only after a little media attention. Thefts like what happened to them continue to proliferate — so it’s time to take extra precautions […]
You may know that the IRS allows us to deduct charitable gifts from our income taxes (if we itemize). But have you thought about the potential benefits — both to you and to your favorite causes — of gifting appreciated stock? Many people haven’t. While 75% of high-income taxpayers donate cash to charity, less than […]
In 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order revoking all federal government diversity, education, and inclusion (DEI) training. While several lawsuits followed that order, and President Joe Biden has since reversed the ban on DEI training, federal government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits that contract with the federal government already felt the impact from the […]
In 2015, the United Nations proposed a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere by 2030. Seventeen goals were adopted by all UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Although progress is being made, with less than a decade […]
The most successful investors understand that investing is about more than just compounding cash. Rather, savvy investors use their money to support the most important things in life, because that’s good for their bottom line financially and emotionally. In other words, they look to maximize “social impact” — because burgeoning data demonstrates that the businesses […]
According to the Giving US annual report on philanthropy, published by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, charitable giving in the United States increased by 4 percent last year. An Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy study commissioned by the Chicago Community Trust demonstrated that Chicago is an astonishing 50 percent more philanthropic than any […]
