What are your favorite local charities?
GF and I are getting more serious and have begun commingling some of our finances. Philanthropy is a huge deal for her and together we're deciding what charities to donate to, both in the present and, as part of trusts we're creating or amending, upon our deaths. She is not originally from Chicago so the places she gives to on a recurring basis are not based here and tend to have more of an international scope (Medecins sans Frontieres, etc). I suggested we focus on more localized charities as well and I'm looking for recommendations from this community. Places we've given to in the past are the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Friends of the CACC. We are especially interested in expanding our giving to organizations that help women and children in need. Thank you in advance!