The 2024 Better Guide to Giving

As we enter the holiday season, the true spirit of joy is found in giving, especially to those who need it most. And there’s science behind this. Research has consistently shown that acts of generosity — whether it’s giving gifts, financial support, or donations — increase our happiness even more than spending on ourselves. At […]

As we enter the holiday season, the true spirit of joy is found in giving, especially to those who need it most. And there’s science behind this. Research has consistently shown that acts of generosity — whether it’s giving gifts, financial support, or donations — increase our happiness even more than spending on ourselves. At […]
Helping Heroes: Top Military Nonprofits Supporting Veterans and Their Families

Members of the military and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country. Yet when they return home, many face challenges like homelessness, unemployment, medical expenses, mental health conditions, and financial difficulties.  According to Statista, as of 2022, there were about 16.2 million veterans in the United States. Of that number, approximately 235,000 […]

Members of the military and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country. Yet when they return home, many face challenges like homelessness, unemployment, medical expenses, mental health conditions, and financial difficulties.  According to Statista, as of 2022, there were about 16.2 million veterans in the United States. Of that number, approximately 235,000 […]
Chicago Journalist and Arts Advocate Bruce Sagan Receives National Medal of Arts at White House Ceremony

Last month, Chicagoan Bruce Sagan traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor for artists and arts patrons in U.S., for his contributions as an Arts Leader. President Joseph R. Biden presented the 2022 and 2023 awards on October 21, 2024 in a private ceremony at The White House. […]

Last month, Chicagoan Bruce Sagan traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor for artists and arts patrons in U.S., for his contributions as an Arts Leader. President Joseph R. Biden presented the 2022 and 2023 awards on October 21, 2024 in a private ceremony at The White House. […]
Chicago International Film Festival Closes 60th Year With Tribute to Robert Zemeckis and Screening of 'Forrest Gump' Reunion 'Here'

The Chicago International Film Festival concluded its 60th annual celebration on Sunday, October 27, 2024, by honoring legendary director and Chicago native Robert Zemeckis with the Founder’s Legacy Award. Festival founder Michael Kutza presented the award at the Music Box Theatre during the festival’s Closing Night, which featured a special screening of Zemeckis’ latest film, Here. […]

The Chicago International Film Festival concluded its 60th annual celebration on Sunday, October 27, 2024, by honoring legendary director and Chicago native Robert Zemeckis with the Founder’s Legacy Award. Festival founder Michael Kutza presented the award at the Music Box Theatre during the festival’s Closing Night, which featured a special screening of Zemeckis’ latest film, Here. […]
Matching Grant Fuels Metropolitan Family Services’ 2024 Mpower the Night Gala, Boosting Support of Chicago Families

Since its founding in 1857 as The Chicago Relief Aid Society, Metropolitan Family Services has become a cornerstone of support for families across Chicago, offering vital resources that empower individuals to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Whether helping a single mother access childcare while she pursues a college degree or guiding a family through the legal […]

Since its founding in 1857 as The Chicago Relief Aid Society, Metropolitan Family Services has become a cornerstone of support for families across Chicago, offering vital resources that empower individuals to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Whether helping a single mother access childcare while she pursues a college degree or guiding a family through the legal […]
30 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in November 2024

As the last golden autumn leaves fall, November in Chicago is not just a transition into winter, but a celebratory kickoff to the holiday season. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a traveler in search of authentic experiences, this list is your gateway to the 30 best things to do in […]

As the last golden autumn leaves fall, November in Chicago is not just a transition into winter, but a celebratory kickoff to the holiday season. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a traveler in search of authentic experiences, this list is your gateway to the 30 best things to do in […]
A Breast Cancer Vaccine? Cleveland Clinic's 'Game-Changing' Trial Gives New Reason to Hope

An exciting clinical trial involving a vaccine at the Cleveland Clinic could change the world of breast cancer. “Curing cancer has been something we all talk about. Even better, is to prevent the cancer in the first place. So, in a sense, prevention is the cure,” said Dr. Amit Kumar, CEO of Anixa Biosciences. An […]

An exciting clinical trial involving a vaccine at the Cleveland Clinic could change the world of breast cancer. “Curing cancer has been something we all talk about. Even better, is to prevent the cancer in the first place. So, in a sense, prevention is the cure,” said Dr. Amit Kumar, CEO of Anixa Biosciences. An […]
From Paralysis to Paralympic Podium: Justin Phongsavanh Reflects on Life After a Tragic Shooting and Eyes LA 2028

On October 24, 2015, Justin Phongsavanh walked out of a McDonald’s in Ankeny, Iowa, unaware he was taking his final steps. Until that cool fall evening, the high schooler had been an avid sportsman and was gearing up for a career as a journeyman electrician. A gunman’s bullets would abruptly and irrevocably change the course of […]

On October 24, 2015, Justin Phongsavanh walked out of a McDonald’s in Ankeny, Iowa, unaware he was taking his final steps. Until that cool fall evening, the high schooler had been an avid sportsman and was gearing up for a career as a journeyman electrician. A gunman’s bullets would abruptly and irrevocably change the course of […]
Joffrey Ballet Premieres 'Atonement' in Chicago: A Q&A with Artistic Director Ashley Wheater on Bringing Ian McEwan’s Novel to the Stage

This week, The Joffrey Ballet brings Atonement to the Lyric Opera stage. This is the first ballet adaptation of Ian McEwan’s best-selling novel turned Academy Award®-winning film, choreographed by Cathy Marston in a co-production with Ballet Zürich. Make It Better (MIB) spoke with Joffrey’s Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director, Ashley Wheater MBE, last week before […]

This week, The Joffrey Ballet brings Atonement to the Lyric Opera stage. This is the first ballet adaptation of Ian McEwan’s best-selling novel turned Academy Award®-winning film, choreographed by Cathy Marston in a co-production with Ballet Zürich. Make It Better (MIB) spoke with Joffrey’s Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director, Ashley Wheater MBE, last week before […]
Penelope Steiner’s Lifelong Love of Film Sparks $2M Gift, Fueling the Chicago International Film Festival’s 60th Year and Beyond

Penelope Steiner is a philanthropist and cinephile in equal measure. While Steiner has long supported prestigious cultural institutions like the Lyric Opera, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Newberry Library, she walks into every movie screening with an open mind. Whether it’s a Bollywood import or Joker: Folie A […]

Penelope Steiner is a philanthropist and cinephile in equal measure. While Steiner has long supported prestigious cultural institutions like the Lyric Opera, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Newberry Library, she walks into every movie screening with an open mind. Whether it’s a Bollywood import or Joker: Folie A […]
Scammers Stole $130K in Minutes — How One Family Fought a Major Bank to Get It Back

It’s happened to many of us: The bank calls to warn you about suspicious transactions on your account. So when Donna Carleo of Redondo Beach, Calif., saw her Chase private banker’s name on her cell phone screen, she picked up and answered the questions. Had she authorized a purchase at an Apple store in Texas? […]

It’s happened to many of us: The bank calls to warn you about suspicious transactions on your account. So when Donna Carleo of Redondo Beach, Calif., saw her Chase private banker’s name on her cell phone screen, she picked up and answered the questions. Had she authorized a purchase at an Apple store in Texas? […]
The Surprising Link Between Spirituality, Purpose and Health: What Science Reveals About Our Search for Meaning

What gives your life meaning? It’s a question our brains are naturally programmed to explore. Recent studies have revealed strong connections between spirituality and health, both rooted in how we find purpose in our lives. Interestingly, much of this research began with the goal of understanding the rising prevalence of depression and anxiety in our […]

What gives your life meaning? It’s a question our brains are naturally programmed to explore. Recent studies have revealed strong connections between spirituality and health, both rooted in how we find purpose in our lives. Interestingly, much of this research began with the goal of understanding the rising prevalence of depression and anxiety in our […]

About Us

How to Raise More Money for Your Nonprofit: 10 Steps to Supercharged Fundraising
Whether you’re spearheading a grassroots crowdfunding initiative, chairing a million-dollar gala, or serving on a nonprofit board, your goal is the same — help the organization raise more money. In today’s dynamic philanthropic landscape, the cornerstones of successful fundraising are: Ensuring transparency in how donations are utilized. Radiating genuine passion for the cause. Crafting compelling […]
Empowering the Most Impactful Nonprofits: How the Make It Better Foundation Can Help You
Founded with a singular vision to revolutionize the nonprofit sector, the Make It Better Foundation has spent more than a decade identifying, championing, and bolstering the missions of the most transformative nonprofits. Our journey began on May 1, 2007, when we launched as a platform for sharing a unique blend of positive, problem-solving, community-building content […]
You Said It — Share Your Passion and Help a Nonprofit Earn Significant Grants
Own Your Expertise Online Your voice, ideas and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” “You Said It” submissions, as mentioned above, are similar to OpEds — written features which explain […]