Mission

The mission of the Make It Better Foundation is to identify, support and amplify outstanding 501(c)(3) qualified organizations and philanthropic best practices in the areas of education, arts, athletics, social services, health care, microfinance or research. 

Vision

To grow and inform a network of individuals and organizations com¬mitted to solving society’s problems through the most effective and efficient methods and philanthropic best practices, and to create an easy-to-use, trusted online resource that reflects these practices. 

How to Work With The Make It Better Foundation

Make It Better Foundation Programs

Warming Hearts & Hands Program

Each year around the holidays, Make It Better Foundation and its partner nonprofits work to supply hundreds of new coats to those in need. You can help make this winter a warm one with an online donation or by dropping off new gloves, scarves, hats and coats by December 13, 2013. 

Make It Better Philanthropy Awards

Make It Better Philanthropy Awards recognize innovation and impact at the local and national levels. To learn more about this program, and see videos of this outstanding event, please see our Philanthropy Awards page.

What We Support

Our media sponsorships focus on but are not limited to the following spheres of impact:

Family, Youth and Child Services

As the backbone of the communities we reach, families present a range of opportunities for support, encouragement and skill development. MIBF is committed to supporting NFPs that direct their program services to families and who view these families as a cherished, but often under-resourced asset for our neighborhoods. MIBF reinforces the qualities that make strong families, regardless of their social status, by supporting NFPs committed to training and educating teen mothers; counseling families facing crisis; improving cross generational communication; nurturing child development best practices; facilitating community based support groups; promoting physical, mental, emotional well-being; and eradicating substance addiction, abuse and neglect.

Education 

Quality education at the early childhood/preschool, primary and secondary levels is a core priority and long standing pillar in our communities’ efforts to prepare our next generation. MIBF financially supports the mission of innovative, evidence-based, and responsive education programs in the Chicagoland area to ensure their story, their model, and their successes are supported and shared with others. In addition to traditional education institutions, MIBF supports NFP organizations that encourage teacher excellence, charter schools with innovative models, literacy interventions, after-school homework assistance programs, executive and study skills training programs, and earliest intervention programs for young developing minds. 

Arts, Culture and Humanities

MIBF supports a variety of performing arts, public broadcasting media, library and museum institutions located in our footprint. Their effort to promote and further the cause of excellent arts, resources and entertainment for our community is primary focus of MIBF activity. MIBF accomplishes its mission in part by sponsoring their various events and amplifying their mission, promoting institutes that equip and train future performers, and underwriting special exhibits.  

Health and Human Services

Another priority focus for MIBF is supporting those organizations that elevate the human spirit and bring assistance, comfort, healing, and well-being to fellow residents in and around Chicago. Specifically, MIBF supports institutions that provide emergency shelter food, and safety for our homeless population; foster function-specific living environments for residents living with mental illness or developmental challenges; provide multipurpose services and support for job search, and permanent housing options; and research and develop excellence in medical advancement, disease and disorder education, patient/family support, treatment and prevention services, and hospice care. 

Animals and Environment

MIBF is fortunate to partner with the nationally acclaimed organizations in Chicago and surrounding communities that seek to preserve and protect our animal and plant kingdoms and make them accessible to the general public. It does this by supporting and amplifying the mission of local aquariums, botanic gardens, zoos, parks and conservancies through event sponsorship, editorial coverage and special exhibit funding.