As Chicago winter makes its last stand, the March calendar is filling with reasons to get out the door. From St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and museum exhibitions to buzzworthy stage premieres and neighborhood food festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a late-winter weekend around Chicagoland — but we’ll help you narrow it down. […]
When people talk about gun violence, they often start with statistics. Since 2020, firearms have emerged as the leading cause of death among children in the United States, where youth are 10 times more likely to die by a gun than their peers in Canada. Each year, nearly 43,000 Americans die from gun-related injuries, and […]
February — which it is worth noting, is the shortest month of the year — is Black History Month in America, and traditionally, when you’ll see Black-owned restaurant roundups like this one (written by a white food journalist, no less). But you’d be a fool to give short shrift to any of these terrific places, […]
Chicago winters don’t slow the city down. February is stacked with performances, exhibitions, and high-energy fundraisers, from Black History Month programming to buzzy benefits and can’t-miss shows across the city and suburbs. This is your field guide to the month. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @makeitbetter_foundation. All Month Short Shakespeare! […]
The best leadership lessons rarely come from classrooms or corporate playbooks; they come from people who live them every day — leaders who elevate others and approach their work with a sense of purpose that’s both personal and practical. Three women who embody that approach — Michelle Sybil Melendez, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at […]
With JOY, GRATITUDE, and HOPE, we introduce the 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Awards Winners and celebrate the remarkable work they do every day to strengthen families, empower communities, and create lasting change. Rigorously vetted by our panel of experts, these 43 nonprofits set the highest standards of excellence, leadership, scalability, and impact. Our […]
January in Chicago offers the perfect mix of festive finales and fresh starts. From last chances to see holiday light displays to cultural exhibitions, performances, and culinary delights, we’re highlighting the best ways to kick off the new year in style with the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs in January 2026. […]
As the holidays get underway, many of us look for ways to make someone else’s season brighter. And there’s science behind why that makes us feel so good. Research shows that acts of generosity — from gift giving to financial support — increase happiness more than spending on ourselves. At Better, we’re dedicated to simplifying […]
A fresh blanket of snow won’t keep Chicagoans home. December is when the city shines brightest, with seasonal traditions like the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol anchoring the holiday calendar alongside new experiences, expanded light installations, and more. All across the city and suburbs, the festive season is here. Let […]
The holiday season invites us to turn gratitude into meaningful social impact. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on Dec. 2, reflects the growing interest in philanthropy that fuels real outcomes — from venture philanthropy models to impact investing — all aimed at strengthening communities and supporting organizations doing essential work. Established in 2012 by New […]
