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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]