Better Makers: Channeling the Power of Debate to Transform Students' Futures

“To be able to disagree with respect is a skill that we’ve all lost,” Andrea Zopp told attendees at the seventh annual Make Room for Debate Luncheon, which celebrated 20 years of partnership between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Debate League and Chicago Debate Commission. Zopp, president and CEO of World Business Chicago, and recently named one of Make It […]

6th Annual Philanthropy Awards: And the Winners Are...

Every child deserves a good education; a safe, loving home; and adequate health care. Every adult honestly trying to overcome difficulties and succeed in life does, too. Many Americans believe this and want to help. They pay their blessings forward by starting and supporting nonprofits that help accomplish these bold goals. Six years ago, humbled […]

6th Annual Philanthropy Awards: Chicago Debates

Most recently updated: December 2020 History Chicago Debates was founded in 1995 to transform the lives of our city’s youth through the power of debate. Since partnering with Chicago Public Schools in 1997, Chicago Debates has been able to reach as many as 1,400 at-risk middle and high school students every year, offering them an […]

6th Annual Philanthropy Awards: Mercy Housing Lakefront

Mercy Housing Lakefront is a nonprofit developer of program-enriched, affordable housing for people in need. Since its founding in 1986, MHL has made it its mission to help the chronically homeless, those with special needs, senior citizens, and at-risk families gain independence, thus creating stable, vibrant, and healthy communities. “Even though ‘housing’ is literally our […]

6th Annual Philanthropy Awards: Accion Chicago

Since its inception in 1994, Accion Chicago has helped communities grow by investing in entrepreneurs in Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. Through quality business training and affordable credit, Accion equips local entrepreneurs with the means necessary to establish successful small businesses that generate income and jobs in high-need areas. Thirty-six full-time staff work closely in the […]

6th Annual Philanthropy Awards: Applications Open Sept. 12

For six years, our Philanthropy Awards have recognized outstanding nonprofits for their exceptional work throughout our community. This year, we will recognize excellence in three award categories: Social Justice Arts & Education Human Services/Empowerment Applications will be accepted starting Tuesday, Sept. 12, through Wednesday, Nov. 15 (National Philanthropy Day). Winners will be notified in early 2018 […]

5th Annual Philanthropy Awards

Nothing matches the excitement we share as a team at Make It Better when it comes time for the Make It Better Foundation to bestow its annual Philanthropy Awards on outstanding and deserving nonprofits. This year, for the Fifth Annual Philanthropy Awards, the Make It Better Foundation honors — and we celebrate — three impactful […]

5th Annual Philanthropy Awards: New Moms

Since 1983, New Moms has provided unconditional and meaningful support to young moms who “want to find a safe place to live, get a quality job, and give their children a brighter future — even if they have no idea of where to start.” Nearly 70 percent of these young moms are victims of sexual or […]

5th Annual Philanthropy Awards: BUILD, Inc.

Most recently updated: December 2020 Since 1969, BUILD, Inc. has helped tens of thousands of vulnerable youth in Chicago escape gangs, resist violence, and become positive community leaders. With facilities in Austin and Humboldt Park, BUILD mentors help young people get mental health care, stay in school, and discover their own passions and potential. Executive […]