Happy Holidays! We hope that you and your family are enjoying the freedom and mounting hope which this season brings. What challenging moments we’ve endured; what energizing opportunities we see. We’re so grateful to be navigating these times as a trusted resource for you as we look to the new year with optimism.
As you know, Better leaned into our mission to create helpful, digital first content when the pandemic hit and in response to social justice demands. You responded enthusiastically and our digital platforms grew exponentially — including our Better Letter email newsletters, webinars and virtual fireside chats with trusted thought leaders, promotion of community and partner events, and our articles, guides, and social media. Impactful philanthropy was often at the heart of this content. Our Better Giving Circle participants and matching grant campaigns soared.
As you read our latest issue, you’ll see that philanthropy, positive social impact and digital connections to leaders and organizations you can trust anchor this magazine. Our online content makes it even easier for you to find the information you need and to help others in the process.
As we reignited our annual Philanthropy Awards, produced by the Make It Better Foundation, and produced this issue focused on giving, we realized the extraordinary impact that our pandemic response strategy has made.
We’re excited to announce that we’re digging even deeper into this digital-first, philanthropy and social impact strategy for 2022. This includes our commitment to use the Make It Better Foundation to support greater collaboration by nonprofits that meet our “venture philanthropy” standards. To learn more about this and apply for support, please visit our Philanthropy page.
Chicago has long led the country in effective philanthropy. We’re 50% more philanthropic than any other U.S. city! When civic leaders collaborate to solve problems through philanthropy, extraordinary good follows.
We’re delighted to connect our readers with the stories, individuals and organizations doing this good work, while providing you with helpful lifestyle content online too. If you haven’t done so yet, please sign up for our Better Letter, subscribe to BetterTV, and follow us on social, where we hope you’ll join the conversation.
In the meantime, please enjoy this issue, which makes it easy for you to give, shop and live more purposefully. As CEO of Chicago Community Trust and our feature subject Helene Gayle said at the end of our online Fireside Chat, “We make a living with what we earn, we make a life with what we give.”
Happy giving. Happy impactful living.
Susan B. Noyes, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Leah Bronson, Publisher
Featured in this issue:
- Meet 2021’s Top Chicago Philanthropists
- Dr. Helene Gayle: Giving Back Has Always Been ‘Part of Who I Am’
- John Edwardson on Hard Work, Giving Back and ‘The Right Thing to Do’
- Announcing the Winners of the 2021 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Awards
- The 2021 Better Guide to Giving
- North Shore Restaurants Share Lessons Learned During the Pandemic
- New in Town: French-Forward Dining in Winnetka, a New Plant Shop in Evanston, RH Opens in Oak Brook and More
- 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Everyone on Your List
- Where to See Holiday Lights Around Chicago This Season
- Diversity Heads For The Water: How Rowing is Becoming a Powerful Force for Good in the Chicago-area and Beyond
- Chicago Sky Owner Michael Alter Discusses the Path to the 2021 WNBA Championship and What It Will Take to Have Equity in Women’s Sports
- Expert Tips to Help Parents Raise Emotionally and Socially Healthy Children — and Make the Most of Their Education
- Audrey Niffenegger’s Evanston Dream Project: Artists Book House
- Tour a Cozy Park City Vacation Home That Will Have You Counting the Days Until Ski Season
- Vintage Finds Mingle With New Decor in This Historic Kenilworth Home
- Better Makers: The Alzheimer’s Association Raises over $1 Million for Research and Care
- A Star-Studded Return: Lyric Opera Gala Is a Fashionable Evening to Remember
