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 […]
How To Help Those Affected By Hurricane Milton

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene roared through parts of the US Southeast, Hurricane Milton roared onto Florida’s west coast around 8:30 p.m., Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. It then moved across the state throughout the early morning hours bringing high winds and incessant rain. As of Oct. 10, millions of Floridians […]

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene roared through parts of the US Southeast, Hurricane Milton roared onto Florida’s west coast around 8:30 p.m., Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. It then moved across the state throughout the early morning hours bringing high winds and incessant rain. As of Oct. 10, millions of Floridians […]
Invisible Barriers Are Keeping Kids Out of School — Cradles to Crayons Is Providing Solutions

For millions of families across the U.S., the back-to-school season isn’t just a time for excitement—it’s a time for difficult choices. In 2023, families with school-aged children spent an average of $890 on back-to-school essentials — a record high that left many parents and guardians scrambling to afford basic supplies. When budgets are tight, simple […]

For millions of families across the U.S., the back-to-school season isn’t just a time for excitement—it’s a time for difficult choices. In 2023, families with school-aged children spent an average of $890 on back-to-school essentials — a record high that left many parents and guardians scrambling to afford basic supplies. When budgets are tight, simple […]
From Survivor to Advocate: A Little-Known Mutation Shaped My Breast Cancer Journey— Now I Share My Story to Save Lives

I am approaching the 27th anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. And while I have remained cancer-free, it’s been quite a ride. I am also approaching the 3rd anniversary of my preventative mastectomy and removal of my ovaries. Why the surgeries, might you ask, if I was cancer-free? In 1997, following a routine mammogram, I […]

I am approaching the 27th anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. And while I have remained cancer-free, it’s been quite a ride. I am also approaching the 3rd anniversary of my preventative mastectomy and removal of my ovaries. Why the surgeries, might you ask, if I was cancer-free? In 1997, following a routine mammogram, I […]
Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point: A Blissful Beach Escape for the Conscious Traveler

As travelers become more eco-conscious, they are looking for destinations that provide more than just stunning beaches and a break from reality — they’re seeking experiences that are mindful, sustainable, and aligned with their values. Enter Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s new private island retreat on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. […]

As travelers become more eco-conscious, they are looking for destinations that provide more than just stunning beaches and a break from reality — they’re seeking experiences that are mindful, sustainable, and aligned with their values. Enter Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s new private island retreat on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. […]
Growing Solutions: How a Student-Run Hydroponic Farm Is Addressing Food Insecurity in a Chicago Food Desert

Access to fresh and healthy food is a basic human need and essential for a healthy lifestyle.  However, this basic need is not easily met for many residents of Altgeld Gardens and, specifically, the Phillip Murray Homes community on the far south side of Chicago.  Recognized as one of the lowest-income neighborhoods in Chicago, Altgeld […]

Access to fresh and healthy food is a basic human need and essential for a healthy lifestyle.  However, this basic need is not easily met for many residents of Altgeld Gardens and, specifically, the Phillip Murray Homes community on the far south side of Chicago.  Recognized as one of the lowest-income neighborhoods in Chicago, Altgeld […]
How To Help Those Affected By Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction across nearly 500 miles of the U.S. Southeast. The storm first hit landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm. Despite weakening as it moved inland, Helene’s impact reached at least 800 miles into Tennessee and North Carolina. Early estimates show at least 130 people dead, more […]

Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction across nearly 500 miles of the U.S. Southeast. The storm first hit landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm. Despite weakening as it moved inland, Helene’s impact reached at least 800 miles into Tennessee and North Carolina. Early estimates show at least 130 people dead, more […]
31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in October 2024

It’s that time of year in Chicago when the sidewalks are lined with crunchy leaves and a crisp breeze signals the arrival of fall. With autumn in full swing, it’s time to dive into the seasonal events we’ve been anticipating all year. From Halloween thrills to cozy afternoon outings, we’ve rounded up the top things […]

It’s that time of year in Chicago when the sidewalks are lined with crunchy leaves and a crisp breeze signals the arrival of fall. With autumn in full swing, it’s time to dive into the seasonal events we’ve been anticipating all year. From Halloween thrills to cozy afternoon outings, we’ve rounded up the top things […]
10 of the Most Haunted Places in Chicago

If you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween, you might want to consider a trip to Chicago, one of the most haunted cities in America. From raging fires to mob history, shipping disasters to phantom hitchhikers, Chicago has something to satisfy any ghost hunter’s palate. So don’t be content just to let fires burn […]

If you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween, you might want to consider a trip to Chicago, one of the most haunted cities in America. From raging fires to mob history, shipping disasters to phantom hitchhikers, Chicago has something to satisfy any ghost hunter’s palate. So don’t be content just to let fires burn […]
The 18 Biggest Annual Charity Galas

Charity may begin at home, but it doesn’t have to stay there. Galas for good causes nationwide can give you an even better reason to pack your bags than wanderlust.

Charity may begin at home, but it doesn’t have to stay there. Galas for good causes nationwide can give you an even better reason to pack your bags than wanderlust.

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 […]