On a Wednesday afternoon, teenagers in colorful T-shirts were jogging back and forth across a brand-new gym floor and practicing their basketball and volleyball skills. The exercises were part of the first youth programming at the Obama Presidential Center, bringing a long-held vision to life through a partnership with After School Matters, a Make It […]
From the World Cup stage to Olympic competition to neighborhood fields, courts, and boathouses, sports create belonging, build confidence, open doors, strengthen communities, and teach us what it means to show up for one another. I saw this with my own kids. Our Make It Better partners and Philanthropy Award winners have long proven this. […]
Not too long ago, London Booker was driving through Rochester when something made him stop. In an abandoned lot, a group of kids was running lacrosse drills, fully equipped, calling out plays, and moving with confidence. He hit the brakes, put the car in reverse, and asked what they were doing. Their answer surprised him. […]
Chicago’s golf legacy began long before the modern era of destination resorts and public-access championship courses. The region’s influence on American golf can be traced back to the late 1800s when visionary architects and club founders established layouts that would help shape the game’s future. Today, Chicago and neighboring Wisconsin are home to an extraordinary […]
The boat sits motionless, but the air is charged with anticipation. Every breath, every grip, every heartbeat and blade sharpen at the start. Then silence breaks, and everything explodes into motion. It may be hard to imagine the grueling and rigorous sport of rowing thriving in the heart of Chicago, yet the Chicago Rowing Foundation […]
Chicago has long been one of America’s great golf cities. The roots run deep. Chicago Golf Club introduced the nation’s first 18-hole course in 1892, and more than a century later, the region remains one of the country’s most vibrant golf markets. Hundreds of public courses stretch across the metropolitan area, ranging from championship-caliber tournament […]
The power of partnership is ingrained in every aspect of The Joffrey Ballet, a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner. As one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions since 1995, the company has intentionally cultivated relationships locally, nationally, and internationally, elevating not only its own profile but also sharing visibility and success with […]
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 […]
It’s that time of year in Chicago when the sidewalks are lined with crunchy leaves and a crisp breeze signals the arrival of fall events we look forward to all year. From haunting thrills just in time for Halloween to cozy afternoon outings, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Chicago and the […]
For many youth athletes, the new year marks the start of a new winter sport season or early preparations for the spring season, along with the excitement, expectations and, in some cases — concerns that can accompany it. Here’s some expert advice — and a new app every parent should download — to help young athletes navigate […]
