Giving Tuesday 2024: Where to Donate

The holiday season invites us to reflect, express gratitude, and transform it into meaningful action. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on December 3, is more than a single day of generosity — it’s a global movement encouraging us to make a lasting impact through intentional giving. Established in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street […]

The holiday season invites us to reflect, express gratitude, and transform it into meaningful action. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on December 3, is more than a single day of generosity — it’s a global movement encouraging us to make a lasting impact through intentional giving. Established in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street […]
31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in December 2024

Celebrate the magic of the season in Chicago with a packed lineup of can’t-miss holiday events. From the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol to festive markets, dazzling light displays, and unique pop-ups, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in traditions like Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum’s or checking […]

Celebrate the magic of the season in Chicago with a packed lineup of can’t-miss holiday events. From the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol to festive markets, dazzling light displays, and unique pop-ups, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in traditions like Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum’s or checking […]
National Geographic Reveals 2024 'Pictures of the Year': Here Are Some of the Most Fascinating

For more than 135 years, National Geographic has upheld its mission to inspire people to care about the planet, using storytelling to illuminate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Since publishing its first black-and-white photographs in 1905 and debuting color images the following decade, the magazine has continued to push the boundaries of […]

For more than 135 years, National Geographic has upheld its mission to inspire people to care about the planet, using storytelling to illuminate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Since publishing its first black-and-white photographs in 1905 and debuting color images the following decade, the magazine has continued to push the boundaries of […]
Turn Every Dollar Into Two: Double the Impact of Your Donation on Red Cross Day of Giving 2024

Every day, the American Red Cross is on the front lines, helping communities in need and bringing hope, comfort and care to those facing their darkest moments. As the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our work. That’s why this year’s 13th Annual Day of […]

Every day, the American Red Cross is on the front lines, helping communities in need and bringing hope, comfort and care to those facing their darkest moments. As the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our work. That’s why this year’s 13th Annual Day of […]
Birth Parent Support Improves Adoption Outcomes: On Your Feet Foundation Raises $65K for Vital Programs

For birth parents who choose adoption, finding a community that understands their journey can be transformative. On Your Feet Foundation provides that space — one where birth parents are met with empathy, lifelong support, and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence. As the only secular, independent organization in the U.S. dedicated to […]

For birth parents who choose adoption, finding a community that understands their journey can be transformative. On Your Feet Foundation provides that space — one where birth parents are met with empathy, lifelong support, and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence. As the only secular, independent organization in the U.S. dedicated to […]
'She Helped Me Be the Mom I Wanted to Be': Help Nurse-Family Partnership Provide Life-Changing Support to Families

When Al-Nisa found out she was pregnant during her senior year of college, she faced overwhelming challenges. Newly married, in an abusive relationship, and without health insurance, she feared not just for herself, but for her unborn child — and she needed help. That help came in the form of her Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) nurse. “Just […]

When Al-Nisa found out she was pregnant during her senior year of college, she faced overwhelming challenges. Newly married, in an abusive relationship, and without health insurance, she feared not just for herself, but for her unborn child — and she needed help. That help came in the form of her Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) nurse. “Just […]
Growing the Good: How Local Gardens Can Transform Communities

This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” 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.” What if as individuals we embrace the task of […]

This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” 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.” What if as individuals we embrace the task of […]
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 […]

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 […]