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 […]
Dion is a mother of four residing in the South Side of Chicago. Like many families with young children from the city’s south and west sides, Dion wants to set her kids up for success. And through Educare Chicago, Dion finally found a safe and welcoming environment, income-based tuition that expands educational opportunities, and deep […]
We know it isn’t real. We know that the “person” on the other end of the screen doesn’t have feelings, a body, or a past. And yet, we talk to it, confide in it, even fall for it. Artificial intelligence has entered our emotional lives quietly but decisively. Apps and AI chatbots now listen, flirt, […]
When sharing wealth we generated in our own lifetimes, some of us just follow our hearts. That could mean simply responding to requests; hosting a table at the gala, raising the paddle at the auction. But when pondering what we will leave behind for future generations — in terms of both legacy and financial inheritance […]
Destiny, 23, is a recent Northwestern University graduate embarking on a career in civil engineering. Like many young adults, she’d like to make a difference in her community. So she signed up as a mentor with Horizons for Youth, a Chicago organization that has worked for more than 30 years to support students through targeted […]
As support for in-depth environmental storytelling declines, the urgency of telling these stories continues to grow. Vital Impacts — a Make It Better Foundation 2026 Philanthropy Award winner — is a women-led nonprofit that harnesses the power of art and storytelling to support community-based conservation efforts. This year, the organization awarded $50,000 in environmental fellowships […]
The best leadership lessons rarely come from classrooms or corporate playbooks; they come from people who live them every day — leaders who elevate others and approach their work with a sense of purpose that’s both personal and practical. Three women who embody that approach — Michelle Sybil Melendez, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at […]
It’s been 14 years since George Eddy died as an infant. Reflecting on his son’s life still brings his father, Sean, to tears. “Our son George was born with a complex medical situation,” he recalls. “We were told he would be with us for maybe a matter of hours or days. Remarkably, he lived for […]
With JOY, GRATITUDE, and HOPE, we introduce the 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Awards Winners and celebrate the remarkable work they do every day to strengthen families, empower communities, and create lasting change. Rigorously vetted by our panel of experts, these 43 nonprofits set the highest standards of excellence, leadership, scalability, and impact. Our […]
Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research are giving patients and families new hope through earlier detection, faster diagnosis, and treatments that slow the disease’s progression. These advances are the result of a sustained team effort among scientists, healthcare providers, advocacy organizations, and high-profile champions from Princess Yasmin Aga Khan to Julianne Moore — all working toward a shared goal […]
