Because we take our mission to amplify best philanthropic practices very seriously, we launched our Philanthropy Awards three years ago. Since then, our Make It Better Philanthropy Awards have recognized 17 outstanding nonprofits in education, athletics, social service, arts, health and more—based on the results of voting by our Academy of Judges, made up of […]
We built Make It Better Media to make the lives of our community easier and, truly, better. We’ve partnered with hundreds of organizations and individuals to share their stories and the innumerable ways they are making a difference in our world. The best of these organizations deserve to be recognized and rewarded. In the past […]
Most recently updated: December 2020 In 2005, golf instructor Brian Floriani decided it was time to make a career change. Drawn to the idea of becoming an elementary school teacher, he took a job as a reading paraprofessional. He soon realized there was a need to get books into the hands of children who did […]
Any day of the year you can find people happily engaged in helping others in NUSH’s historic facility on the north west side of Chicago. Anyone in need will be warmly welcomed in the entry, which feels like a well-loved living room. “Everyone who comes here is considered a neighbor, and we can make […]
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 […]
The body can do amazing things when you just believe. That’s the attitude at Glenview’s North Shore DoJo, where Sensei Jeff Kohn coaches kids and adults of all ages and abilities. Kohn’s career spans four decades, all in Chicago’s northern suburbs, with students currently ranging from 3 to 76 years old. He’s seen hundreds of […]
Fleurotica isn’t your average fashion-show fundraiser. The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) puts on a stunning annual fashion show featuring attire made from natural plant materials by local designers to create a world of wonder. The wearable art raises money so that the Conservatory can continue its arts and other community-enrichment programs in the beautiful […]
Barrett “Bear” Krupa died of cancer at age 8, after a 5 1/2-year battle and five relapses. Shortly before his death, Bear asked his mother, Kathleen Casey, to start an organization in his name to help kids fighting pediatric cancer and their families. “He saw a plaque on the wall in his Comer Children’s Hospital […]
