As Skilled Trades Face a National Shortage, This Michigan School Is Powering the Future of the Marine Industry

In the harbor town of Cedarville, Michigan, the Marine Trades Institute is tackling one of the country’s most urgent workforce challenges: the shortage of skilled trades professionals. Once known as the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the nonprofit educational institution has spent the past two decades training students for hands-on careers in boat building and […]

In the harbor town of Cedarville, Michigan, the Marine Trades Institute is tackling one of the country’s most urgent workforce challenges: the shortage of skilled trades professionals. Once known as the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the nonprofit educational institution has spent the past two decades training students for hands-on careers in boat building and […]
Venture Philanthropy Explained: Strategies for High-Impact Giving and Investing

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 […]

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 […]
From Luxury Supercars to Local Support: A Fundraiser That’s Found Its Formula

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 […]

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 […]
Christine Rocas on Her Path from Joffrey Ballet Dancer to Rehearsal Director — and Why the Company Is 'on the Right Side of History'

Have you ever wondered what happens to a ballet dancer after they take their final bow on the stage? In Christine Rocas’ case, fate intervened, and she ended up exactly where she was always meant to be. After almost 20 years dancing for the Joffrey Ballet, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, she is […]

Have you ever wondered what happens to a ballet dancer after they take their final bow on the stage? In Christine Rocas’ case, fate intervened, and she ended up exactly where she was always meant to be. After almost 20 years dancing for the Joffrey Ballet, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, she is […]
Hidden Barriers Keep Domestic Violence Survivors Trapped — Legal Aid Provides a Path to Safety

What does a domestic violence victim look like?  They look like your neighbor, your co-worker, or even a close family member. They look like Elena.  Elena, a mother of two young children and an undocumented immigrant, is a domestic violence victim. She has lived with David, the father of her children, for nine years. After […]

What does a domestic violence victim look like?  They look like your neighbor, your co-worker, or even a close family member. They look like Elena.  Elena, a mother of two young children and an undocumented immigrant, is a domestic violence victim. She has lived with David, the father of her children, for nine years. After […]
Pre-Surgery Anxiety in Kids Can Slow Recovery and Cause Trauma — This Nonprofit Has a Digital Solution

More than 5 million children undergo surgery every year. A majority of pediatric patients experience what child life specialists call “Frozen Fear”, intense preoperative anxiety that can persist through sedation. This response can spike cortisol levels, lengthen recovery time, and even cause long-term trauma. A study published in the Journal of Child Life confirmed that […]

More than 5 million children undergo surgery every year. A majority of pediatric patients experience what child life specialists call “Frozen Fear”, intense preoperative anxiety that can persist through sedation. This response can spike cortisol levels, lengthen recovery time, and even cause long-term trauma. A study published in the Journal of Child Life confirmed that […]
Witness to Chemical War: Goro Nakamura Reflects on 50 Years of Photographing Agent Orange’s Toll

More than 50 years after the end of the Vietnam War, the environmental and health consequences of “Operation Ranch Hand” — the U.S. military’s aerial spraying of herbicides containing dioxin — continue to unfold. Agent Orange, the most widely used of these herbicides, left behind contamination in the soil, water, and food systems of Southeast […]

More than 50 years after the end of the Vietnam War, the environmental and health consequences of “Operation Ranch Hand” — the U.S. military’s aerial spraying of herbicides containing dioxin — continue to unfold. Agent Orange, the most widely used of these herbicides, left behind contamination in the soil, water, and food systems of Southeast […]
Sankofa Wellness Village: A Community-Driven Vision for Health Equity and a Thriving West Garfield Park

In the heart of West Garfield Park, where residents face one of Chicago’s starkest life expectancy gaps, a transformative vision is taking shape. The Sankofa Wellness Village represents more than just new construction — it embodies a community’s determination to rewrite its narrative and reclaim its future. Confronting the Statistics The numbers paint a sobering […]

In the heart of West Garfield Park, where residents face one of Chicago’s starkest life expectancy gaps, a transformative vision is taking shape. The Sankofa Wellness Village represents more than just new construction — it embodies a community’s determination to rewrite its narrative and reclaim its future. Confronting the Statistics The numbers paint a sobering […]
What Happens to Wine Country’s Empty Bottles? This Recycling Program Turns Waste Into Green Job Training

As sustainability efforts expand across the country, a growing number of initiatives are rethinking how packaging waste is handled in industries like wine and spirits — from glass bottles to shipping boxes and plastic wrap. In Northern California, one program is offering a practical, scalable model that reduces landfill waste while building green career skills […]

As sustainability efforts expand across the country, a growing number of initiatives are rethinking how packaging waste is handled in industries like wine and spirits — from glass bottles to shipping boxes and plastic wrap. In Northern California, one program is offering a practical, scalable model that reduces landfill waste while building green career skills […]
One Book at a Time: How a Harlem Literacy Project Is Advancing Equity for Underserved Kids

As a child growing up in New York City, I could always find escape and comfort in books. I didn’t know it then, but those stories would become my compass, guiding me through trauma, identity, and inequality. Today, as the founder of Read It and Leave It, I work to offer that same compass to […]

As a child growing up in New York City, I could always find escape and comfort in books. I didn’t know it then, but those stories would become my compass, guiding me through trauma, identity, and inequality. Today, as the founder of Read It and Leave It, I work to offer that same compass to […]
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles Honored at 2025 Gratitude Gala for Mental Health Advocacy

On May 7, nearly 200 guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago’s River West neighborhood for The Family Institute at Northwestern University‘s third annual Gratitude Gala. Hosted by the Board of Directors of the Family Institute, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, the event raised nearly $260,000 to support the Bette D. Harris Family […]

On May 7, nearly 200 guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago’s River West neighborhood for The Family Institute at Northwestern University‘s third annual Gratitude Gala. Hosted by the Board of Directors of the Family Institute, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, the event raised nearly $260,000 to support the Bette D. Harris Family […]
31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in July 2025

July in Chicago means long days, late sunsets, and no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re chasing live music, fireworks, food festivals, or art exhibitions, this month brings the kind of high-energy, culture-packed calendar that makes summer here feel so electric. From classic traditions like the 4th on 53rd Parade to major headliners at Lollapalooza […]

July in Chicago means long days, late sunsets, and no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re chasing live music, fireworks, food festivals, or art exhibitions, this month brings the kind of high-energy, culture-packed calendar that makes summer here feel so electric. From classic traditions like the 4th on 53rd Parade to major headliners at Lollapalooza […]

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 […]