Have you ever wondered what happens to a ballet dancer after they take their final bow on the stage? In Christine Rocas’ case, fate intervened, and she ended up exactly where she was always meant to be. After almost 20 years dancing for the Joffrey Ballet, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, she is […]
Every night, when the sun goes down, more than one billion people around the world are plunged into total darkness. For many of us, flipping on a light is second nature. But for families living in extreme poverty, darkness brings danger, lost opportunity, and hopelessness. Without light, education stalls, entrepreneurship fades, and economic freedom slips […]
Whether they’re supporting education and mental health causes, investing, or helping care for their grandchildren, Liz and Kent Dauten offer a compelling model for how values can guide every aspect of life and work. As recipients of the Big Shoulders Fund’s 2025 Humanitarian Award, they exemplify what it looks like to lead with purpose — […]
In a time when many nonprofits are struggling to sustain year-over-year support — and donors seek more transparency about where their money goes — a small church just north of Chicago has quietly built a model of grassroots philanthropy that’s helped dozens of local organizations not just survive, but thrive. Kenilworth Union Church’s approach might […]
In October, we shared the story of the Carleo family, whose bank accounts were cleaned out to the tune of $130,000 after a mysterious phone call. The Carleos got their money back only after a little media attention. Thefts like what happened to them continue to proliferate — so it’s time to take extra precautions […]
You may know that the IRS allows us to deduct charitable gifts from our income taxes (if we itemize). But have you thought about the potential benefits — both to you and to your favorite causes — of gifting appreciated stock? Many people haven’t. While 75% of high-income taxpayers donate cash to charity, less than […]
As we enter the holiday season, the true spirit of joy is found in giving, especially to those who need it most. And there’s science behind this. Research has consistently shown that acts of generosity — whether it’s giving gifts, financial support, or donations — increase our happiness even more than spending on ourselves. At […]
It’s happened to many of us: The bank calls to warn you about suspicious transactions on your account. So when Donna Carleo of Redondo Beach, Calif., saw her Chase private banker’s name on her cell phone screen, she picked up and answered the questions. Had she authorized a purchase at an Apple store in Texas? […]
Considering joining one of Chicago’s exclusive members-only clubs? Whether you’re seeking a space for business, a luxurious retreat for pleasure, or a community that shares your philanthropic or recreation interests, these elite clubs offer a wealth of benefits. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve curated a list of our top picks.Updated Aug. 21, […]
In a time when technology seems to be streamlining everything from how we order food to researching complicated subjects, it might not seem important to sharpen your communication skills. Rapid-fire texts and emails may fill our inboxes and screens, but whatever the medium of written communication, don’t discount the impact of a concise, well-crafted message. […]
