At Better Magazine, the Make It Better Foundation’s storytelling hub, we partner with nonprofits to tell nationally relevant, evergreen stories that spark generosity and inspire change. The following guidelines outline our editorial standards, storytelling approach, and technical requirements you can expect when collaborating with us — whether through grant-funded content partnerships or “You Said It” submissions.
What We Publish: Content Types
High-Profile Interviews: Interviews with high-profile members, partners, and champions of your cause, with a call to action to support your organization.
- How Rita Hayworth’s Alzheimer’s Battle Inspired Daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan’s Lifelong Advocacy
- Mark Nepo Shares 9 Life Lessons on Friendship, Resilience and Finding ‘Heaven on Earth’ Now
- Tom Morello on Music, Activism and Bringing ‘Revolution(s)’ to Chicago’s Goodman Theatre
- Jenna Fischer’s Next Chapter: From ‘Ashland Avenue’ at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre to the Big Screen With Green Day
Evergreen Advice Features: Story formats proven to engage our audience through helpful, actionable, broadly relevant advice pieces showcasing the expertise of your organization.
- The Psychology of Decluttering: 6 Steps to a Calmer Mind and Home
- Is My Child Gifted? Expert Advice on Signs, Tests and Next Steps
- How to Raise Inclusive Kids: 5 Everyday Habits That Make a Big Difference
- Venture Philanthropy Explained: Strategies for High-Impact Giving and Investing
Listicles: List-driven format that resonates well with our audience across content categories.
- 11 TV Series That Showcase the Best in Humanity: 2025
- 12 Books to Help You Find Hope, Healing and Purpose in Uncertain Times
- Biggest Annual Charity Galas
- Chicago International Film Festival 2025: 18 Must-See Films
- Top Women’s Boards
Photo-Driven Features: Your mission and impact in action, showcased through powerful visuals and concise but informative copy.
- Photos Capture Destruction and Heroism During Devastating Southern California Wildfires
- 11 Fascinating Photos Revealing the Geography of Clean Energy
- National Geographic Reveals 2024 ‘Pictures of the Year’: Here Are Some of the Most Fascinating
How to Help: We provide simple, straightforward ways to take action in response to both immediate, urgent needs, such as natural or man-made disaster responses and ongoing needs such as blood donation and food for the homeless and food insecure.
- How to Help: Fight Gun Violence in Your Community and Across America
- Top Military Nonprofits Supporting Veterans and Their Families
- Top Environmental Nonprofits
- Where to Donate Unwanted or Unused Beauty Products to Women in Need
Guide to Giving: Annual roundup of top nonprofits to support with end-of-year giving and year round.
Matching Grants: Matching Grant content campaign articles centered around an evergreen topic (Recommended):
- Photographer Cristina Mittermeier’s ‘HOPE’ Confronts the Climate Crisis with a Powerful Visual Call to Action
- How a Small Church Built a Big-Impact Model for Grassroots Philanthropy
- As Skilled Trades Face a National Shortage, This Michigan School Is Powering the Future of the Marine Industry
Matching Grant Article Focused on Short-Term Match:
MIB TV/YouTube Channel: Videos that teach, engage and mobilize.
- Founder’s Fireside Chat: Susan B. Noyes and Michael Alter
- Philanthropy Awards 2023: Metropolitan Peace Initiatives
Better Makers: Articles highlighting fundraising events and spotlighting the people powering your mission. Each recap includes:
- Event title, date, venue, and funds raised
- Organizational and event leadership, honorees, sponsors
- High-quality photography
- Mission-focused impact, supported by data
- A clear call to action in the final “How to Help” box
Better Makers Examples:
- Wonderland-Inspired Gala Raises $3 Million for the Joffrey Ballet’s Community Initiatives
- Red Cross Heroes Breakfast Raises More Than $1.6 Million, Powered by Matching Gifts and Community Support
“You Said It” Features: Opinion-style stories written or co-written with your leaders or partners, supported by data and strong sources. Exceptional entries may earn a $1,000 donation and potential eligibility for expanded content partnerships.
- Could You Be Fueling Wildlife Trafficking Without Knowing It?
- This Free Program Is Teaching Chicago Residents How to Have a Voice in Urban Planning
- How a Harlem Literacy Project Is Advancing Equity for Underserved Kids
Editorial Requirements for All Content
Regardless of format, all stories must follow the same baseline editorial standards:
Voice + Structure
- Start with people, problems, or impact — not the organization
- Use a neutral, journalistic tone
- Allow mission details to emerge naturally
- Avoid organization-first or internal framing
- Reserve direct CTAs for the “How to Help” section
Sourcing + Credibility
Every story must include at least five credible sources such as:
- University research
- Government data
- Nonprofit studies
- Neutral media reporting
- Expert quotes or insights
Originality
All content must be original and exclusive to Better.net — no press releases or previously published text.
Technical Submission Guidelines
These apply to any organization providing materials, whether for a story we write or a “You Said It.”
Photos
- At least 10 photos for consideration and use across platforms including website and social media channels
- Minimum 2000 px on the long edge; max 4MB each
- Horizontal + vertical options
- No heavy filters; avoid tight cropping
- Clear file names, captions, and photographer credits
- Confirm rights for use on Better.net + all MIBF channels
- Required even when submitting video (1 landscape, 1 portrait minimum)
Video
- Minimum 1080p (4K preferred)
- 16:9 landscape and 9:16 vertical as needed
- MP4 format
- 30 fps standard; 60 fps for action-heavy footage
- Include still images for web + social thumbnails
Additional Materials
“How to Help” copy for a final call to action: Summarize your organization’s mission and how our reader’s can best support your topline goals. Include a link to your website as well as a link to a donation page.
Author bio + headshot: Author name + short bio, including nonprofits the author champions, and a headshot (2000px minimum)
Social handles: For cross-platform use.
