Every Spring, Chicago’s Tulips Return — For the People Who Plant Them, It’s More Than a Job

Barry Butler has been photographing Chicago for decades — but more specifically, he’s been capturing its tulips. A native of Ireland, Butler has always loved shooting natural scenery. But while building his photography practice, he also began photographing Chicago’s industrial landscape, a striking contrast to Ireland’s terrain.   “I was psychologically saying to myself, ‘Well, I […]

What Happens When Nonprofits Collaborate Instead of Compete? A Giving Day Model That’s Growing the Philanthropic Pie

The tension in the room was palpable. Board members dug in on opposing positions. A staff leader threatened to resign. The group’s leader called for a timeout before a vote to buy time. The scene was the 2022 board meeting of the India Philanthropy Alliance. The board members were debating a collective fundraising effort called […]

When Insurance Denies Mental Health Coverage, This Nonprofit Helps Patients and Doctors Appeal

Dr. Mojgan Makki, Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with Psychiatry Studio in Chicago, was treating an adolescent patient with ADHD. The patient experienced serious side effects from the oral medication, requiring Dr. Makki to pursue the next clinically appropriate plan: a transdermal patch for ADHD treatment.  “Time was of the essence,” says Dr. Makki. […]

The Future Works: Why Skills-Based Hiring Must Define Our Next Era of Workforce Investment

Each year, thousands of talented Chicagoans are overlooked for high-growth careers — not because they lack ability, but because traditional hiring systems still equate potential with pedigree. In a city built on innovation and hard work, it’s important to shift the definition of success to reflect people’s demonstrated abilities and future capacity, moving beyond background […]

When Alzheimer’s Risk Is Written in Our Genes, And How It Might Be Rewritten as Resilience

Alzheimer’s, one of the most common forms of dementia, affects more than 6.9 million Americans. It’s a complex and debilitating condition, but for millions of families, Alzheimer’s disease does not arrive as a surprise. It is a genetic condition that researchers can now predict through genetic testing.  A simple genetic test can reveal whether someone […]

Can Integrated Health Care Fix a Broken U.S. System? 7 Ways an Illinois Model Shows How

The United States spends more on health care than any other developed nation, yet millions still struggle to access timely, effective treatment. One promising reform gaining traction among policymakers and researchers is integrated care, an approach that unites physical, behavioral, and social health services to treat the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Health policy experts […]