From Chicago Public Schools to International Ballet Collaborations, How the Joffrey Ballet Built a Culture of Global Partnership

The power of partnership is ingrained in every aspect of The Joffrey Ballet, a 2026 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner. As one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions since 1995, the company has intentionally cultivated relationships locally, nationally, and internationally, elevating not only its own profile but also sharing visibility and success with […]

by Vicki Crain

Are Kids Losing Creativity? How America’s Arts Education Crisis Could Affect Innovation, Mental Health, and the Future Workforce

In a world where the most respected careers are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists, why should kids be encouraged to pursue art?  Despite drastic underfunding of the arts in U.S. schools — especially in communities with more non-white, low-income, and non-English speaking students — art education remains vital. Creative experiences help children thrive, benefiting their […]

by Lily Adams

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 […]

by Alison Bowen

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 […]

by Alex Counts and Meenakshi Mahajan

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 […]

by Susan B. Noyes

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 […]

by Kate Doyle

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 […]

by Bridget Lewis