How Disney and Make-A-Wish Helped a 10-Year-Old Battling Cancer Bring Her Fashion Dream to Life

A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer who is battling cancer got the incredible opportunity to design her own dress with the help of Make-A-Wish and some Disney pros. Inspired by the iconic ball gowns in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Cinderella, Rita wished to step into the world of costume design at Disney.  As part of her […]

A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer who is battling cancer got the incredible opportunity to design her own dress with the help of Make-A-Wish and some Disney pros. Inspired by the iconic ball gowns in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Cinderella, Rita wished to step into the world of costume design at Disney.  As part of her […]
Empowering Artists and Advancing Social Justice: How the Gordon Parks Foundation Continues the Late Photographer's Legacy

Over the past two Sundays, Alicia Keys at in her GRAMMY acceptance speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and Kendrick Lamar through his Super Bowl halftime performance delivered powerful messages about the power of art to inspire future generations and advance social justice. What do the two artists have in common? They’ve both […]

Over the past two Sundays, Alicia Keys at in her GRAMMY acceptance speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and Kendrick Lamar through his Super Bowl halftime performance delivered powerful messages about the power of art to inspire future generations and advance social justice. What do the two artists have in common? They’ve both […]
Harris Theater at 20: How It Became a Lifeline for Chicago Performing Arts and a Proven Model for Arts Sustainability

The road to the Harris Theater began in the 1980s, when the performing arts were feverishly alive in Chicago. Dozens of new music, dance, and theater companies emerged while stalwart organizations experienced exciting growth. What the city lacked, however, was adequate space for its mid-size companies — those that had outgrown the storefront venues but […]

The road to the Harris Theater began in the 1980s, when the performing arts were feverishly alive in Chicago. Dozens of new music, dance, and theater companies emerged while stalwart organizations experienced exciting growth. What the city lacked, however, was adequate space for its mid-size companies — those that had outgrown the storefront venues but […]
How a CPS Closure Launched this AmeriCorps Member's Journey to Service With City Year

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.” Noam Chomsky once said, “The more privilege you have, […]

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.” Noam Chomsky once said, “The more privilege you have, […]
28 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in February 2025

February in Chicago may be chilly, but the city and its suburbs offer plenty of ways to warm up with vibrant cultural celebrations, romantic outings, and winter fun. From honoring Black History Month with museum exhibits and performances to planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, this month is packed with reasons to get out and make […]

February in Chicago may be chilly, but the city and its suburbs offer plenty of ways to warm up with vibrant cultural celebrations, romantic outings, and winter fun. From honoring Black History Month with museum exhibits and performances to planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, this month is packed with reasons to get out and make […]
From Shelter to Stability: How Individualized Care Is Changing the Fight Against Homelessness

Homelessness is a glaring epidemic in Chicago. As of January 2024, there were 18,836 individuals in Chicago experiencing homelessness. The homeless population has nearly tripled since 2023, with projections of it only continuing to increase in the upcoming years.  Many factors contribute to homelessness, and A Safe Haven Foundation is on a mission to restore […]

Homelessness is a glaring epidemic in Chicago. As of January 2024, there were 18,836 individuals in Chicago experiencing homelessness. The homeless population has nearly tripled since 2023, with projections of it only continuing to increase in the upcoming years.  Many factors contribute to homelessness, and A Safe Haven Foundation is on a mission to restore […]
Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles: Why Rebuilding Smarter Is the Only Option

When disaster strikes, Americans respond. Our instinct to help, our “Can Do” spirit, and our deep love of community propel us to extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity, and ingenuity. The recent catastrophic fires in Los Angeles were no exception. From heartbreaking scenes of destruction to inspiring stories of resilience, the fires drew out the best of humanity. […]

When disaster strikes, Americans respond. Our instinct to help, our “Can Do” spirit, and our deep love of community propel us to extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity, and ingenuity. The recent catastrophic fires in Los Angeles were no exception. From heartbreaking scenes of destruction to inspiring stories of resilience, the fires drew out the best of humanity. […]
Happiness Is a Skill: These Science-Backed Tools Can Help You Master It

If a friend sends you a bouquet, says Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, the science director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, don’t just say “Thank you.” Instead, expand it to something like, “Thank you so much for sending me tuberoses; you know that those are my favorite. I felt so […]

If a friend sends you a bouquet, says Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, the science director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, don’t just say “Thank you.” Instead, expand it to something like, “Thank you so much for sending me tuberoses; you know that those are my favorite. I felt so […]
Bank Account Fraud Is Growing — How to Protect Yourself

In October, we shared the story of the Carleo family, whose bank accounts were cleaned out to the tune of $130,000 after a mysterious phone call. The Carleos got their money back only after a little media attention. Thefts like what happened to them continue to proliferate — so it’s time to take extra precautions […]

In October, we shared the story of the Carleo family, whose bank accounts were cleaned out to the tune of $130,000 after a mysterious phone call. The Carleos got their money back only after a little media attention. Thefts like what happened to them continue to proliferate — so it’s time to take extra precautions […]
Photos Capture Destruction and Heroism During Devastating Southern California Wildfires

The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations.  The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while […]

The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations.  The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while […]
Game Day for Good: Super Bowl Sunday Blood Drive Aims to Save Up to 1,200 Lives

Before the big game kicks off this Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, you can make a big impact and help save lives at one of Chicagoland’s largest American Red Cross blood drives. Hosted at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, IL, the Kevin Joseph Smith Burke Blood Drive is celebrating its 10th […]

Before the big game kicks off this Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, you can make a big impact and help save lives at one of Chicagoland’s largest American Red Cross blood drives. Hosted at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, IL, the Kevin Joseph Smith Burke Blood Drive is celebrating its 10th […]
Youth Sports Safety: Expert Advice and a Must-Have App for Parents of Athletes

For many youth athletes, the new year marks the start of a new winter sport season or early preparations for the spring season, along with the excitement, expectations and, in some cases — concerns that can accompany it. Here’s some expert advice — and a new app every parent should download — to help young athletes navigate […]

For many youth athletes, the new year marks the start of a new winter sport season or early preparations for the spring season, along with the excitement, expectations and, in some cases — concerns that can accompany it. Here’s some expert advice — and a new app every parent should download — to help young athletes navigate […]

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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 […]