2013 Philanthropy Awards - Better Magazine

We founded Make It Better Media to connect and help our North Shore audience amplify their philanthropic efforts.

We found that doing this leads to more—more connections and ideas, better community, more money raised by good people, better business for all.

To amplify this happy effect, we established our annual Philanthropy Awards. An impressive group of judges – all thoughtful, strategic philanthropists – choose winners from applications submitted online.

We notify the winners on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day, with a surprise visit to each nonprofit. Their prize includes videos and articles that bring to life their missions and demonstrate that donated dollars are well spent. And on Wednesday, April 30, the nonprofits and videos will be the stars of our 2013 Philanthropy Awards celebration at Chase Auditorium.

Our sincerest congratulations to these innovative and inspirational winners and to the dedicated men and women who keep these nonprofits humming along.


Bernie’s Book Bank Education (Local) Since 2009, Bernie’s Book Bank has collected, processed and distributed more than 2 million books to more than 80,000 children.	Beyond Sports Foundation Athletics BSF has reached more than 75 teenagers, providing appropriate academic tutoring, mentoring and sport-specific training to ensure future success.

Garfield Park Conservatory Most Innovative Fundraising This facility with outstanding programs encourages visitors to engage with science, nature, plants and conservation to help transform the community.	Literature for All of Us Arts Each year, Literature for All of Us reaches 500-600 young people who are hungry for the opportunity to learn and grow using this holistic literacy model.

Midwest Palliative Hospice & CareCenter Health By providing compassionate care to patients and families in 150 communities, they bring comfort and meaning to the end-of life experience.	Mother’s Trust Foundation Human Services (Social Services) Having granted nearly $1.7 million to benefit more than 20,000 disadvantaged children throughout Lake County, Mother’s Trust Foundation helps children meet needs that can not be met in full anywhere else.

Northwestern University Settlement House Most Improved Fundraising NUSH nurtures, educates and inspires children, families and seniors in West Town through comprehensive support programs.	The Posse Foundation Education (National) The program has graduated 5,544 scholars since its inception, with students awarded $670 million in scholarships and graduating at a rate of 90 percent. Posse Chicago has 11 major academic partners.

Youth Organizations Umbrella Human Services (Family, Youth & Child) Y.O.U. provides academic assistance, crisis intervention, mentoring and counseling for youth and their families in order to forge healthy relationships.

Our Academy of Judges includes: Make It Better judges: Heather Blackwell, Mindy Fauntleroy, Susan B. Noyes, Sandy Tsuchida, Sharon Krone; Former Philanthropy Award Winners: Cherie Hrusovsky, GLASA; Dawn Kobel, Girls in the Game; Sarah Mayeda, Spark; Kim Michelson, Project Music; Seth Weinberger, Innovations for Learning; Civic Leaders: Francee Harrington, JPMorgan Chase; Sandra Miller, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; Liam Krehbiel, A Better Chicago; Tom Sabatino, Walgreens

philanthropy awards