20 Top Charity Galas Shaping Philanthropy Across the U.S.
Charity may begin at home, but it doesn’t have to stay there. Galas for good causes nationwide can give you an even better reason to pack your bags than wanderlust.
The Virtuous Circle of Philanthropy & Powerful Impact
Amplifying the authentic connections and good intentions of people gathered around any table — at home, work, or in your community — through helpful actions and virtuous circles of freely available content can lead to meaningful, measurable change. What starts small can joyfully snowball! Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association is proof. It started with […]
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 […]
Overscheduled Kids May Be Missing the Long-Term Benefits of Volunteering
Across the United States, researchers are examining the impact of a quiet but consequential shift in adolescence: young people have fewer opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities through volunteering — particularly structured youth service. Packed schedules and constant adult oversight can crowd out experiences where youth take on real responsibility and see the tangible social […]
The Research-Backed Case for Investing in Early Childhood Education Before Kindergarten
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 […]
How to Build a Multigenerational Family Philanthropy Strategy
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 […]
10 Photos That Showcase the Power of Environmental Storytelling at a Critical Moment
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 […]
2026 Philanthropy Awards: And the Winners Are..
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 […]
Rising Need, Declining Funding: Nonprofit Leaders Warn of Growing Strain on U.S. Social Safety Net
As demand for basic assistance rises and public funding becomes less predictable, nonprofits providing essential services are filling the gaps. That was the clear message from leaders of four of Chicago’s largest social-service organizations at a panel hosted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Their conversation reflected a broader reality playing out across […]
Giving Tuesday 2025: Where to Donate
The holiday season invites us to turn gratitude into meaningful social impact. Giving Tuesday, observed this year on Dec. 2, reflects the growing interest in philanthropy that fuels real outcomes — from venture philanthropy models to impact investing — all aimed at strengthening communities and supporting organizations doing essential work. Established in 2012 by New […]
