Make It Better Foundation

01/13/2026

🧠 Breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research are giving patients and their families new hope.

Advances like earlier detection, faster diagnosis, and treatments slowing the disease's progression rely on a sustained team effort among scientists, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations.

Leading the fight against Alzheimer's are Eli Lilly and Company and Alzheimer's Association—a winner of Make It Better Foundation's 2026 Philanthropy Award.

Susan B. Noyes, Make It Better Foundation Founder sat down with Laura Steele, Eli Lilly's senior vice president of U.S. Neuroscience, to hear what recent advances could mean for millions of families affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Steele shares 10 key insights into the future of Alzheimer's research, detection, and treatment on Better.net: https://better.net/life/health/alzheimer-future-research-detection-treatment-insights/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20260112socials_alzheimers-eli-lilly&utm_id=20260112_socials

01/13/2026

01/10/2026

🥂 January in Chicago provides the perfect mix of festive finales and fresh starts! We're highlighting the best ways to kick off the new year in style, from last-chance holiday lights to performances and culinary delights.

Not only is supporting local arts and culture a great way to stay out and about this winter—it also strengthens neighborhoods, supports small organizations, and helps storytellers thrive.

Find even more ways to explore the city this January on our website and at the link below 🔗 Tag us in your adventures to let us know how you're building community this winter ❄️✨
https://better.net/arts-events/31-best-things-to-do-in-chicago-and-the-suburbs-in-january-2026/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20260110socials_january-31things&utm_id=20260110_socials

The Art Institute of Chicago Shedd Aquarium The Richard H. Driehaus Museum Park Hyatt Chicago Brushwood Center Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Chicago Park District

01/08/2026

And the winners are... 🏆

Rigorously vetted by our panel of experts, these 43 nonprofits set the highest standards of excellence, leadership, scalability, and impact.

Our goal is to supercharge smart philanthropy and help make the world a better place faster.

That's why we’re investing $1.25 million and a year of collaborative storytelling in their work.

Learn more about this year's winners at Better.net—🔗 https://better.net/philanthropy/2026-philanthropy-awards-winners/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20260108socials_2026PAWinners&utm_id=20260108_socials

The 2026 Philanthropy Awards would not be possible without our generous sponsors: Akris, CBS Chicago, Chicago Sky, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, deGiulio Design, J.P. Morgan, Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University, Morgan Stanley, Chicago North Shore, William Blair.

01/06/2026

The systems designed to catch people in crisis are under growing strain.

That was the clear message from leaders of four of Chicago's biggest social service organizations at a panel hosted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Now is the time to speak up, engage, advocate, volunteer, and donate to support our neighbors in need. At Better, we simplify the act of giving by highlighting organizations that turn donations into measurable social impact. 💛

Learn how to help and hear what needs to happen from Big Shoulders Fund, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Metropolitan Family Services on our website: https://better.net/human-services/rising-need-declining-funding-social-safety-net/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20260106socials_catholiccharities-yousaidit&utm_id=20260106_socials

01/05/2026

Breaking news from CBS News Chicago's Suzanne Le Mignot—just three days until announcing our 2026 Philanthropy Award Winners!

As a long-time sponsor of Make It Better Foundation's Philanthropy Awards, CBS Chicago is helping make the world a better place faster. This year, we are investing $1.25 million and a year's worth of collaborative storytelling to supercharge philanthropy.

Stay tuned this Thursday to help us celebrate the 42 nonprofits setting the highest standards in 2026!

Susan Noyes

12/30/2025

Mindfulness teaches us to stay present, but research shows that looking ahead can be just as powerful.

We're partnering with The Greater Good Science Center to explore four ways that prospection—a scientific term for thinking about the future—can bring more purpose, connection, and kindness into our lives. As we look toward the new year, we're resolving to bring more purpose, connection, and kindness into our lives with prospection. ✨

Read more about how future-thinking can make life more meaningful on our website.
🔗 https://better.net/life/future-thinking-benefits-research/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20251230socials_greatergood-futurethinkingbenefits&utm_id=20251230_socials

Follow Make It Better Foundation and The Greater Good Science Center for more inspiration in 2026!
#2026

12/27/2025

An American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) tour in Monterey County demonstrated the trusted community connections and maximum impact for seven- and eight-figure donations made possible by generous Angel Investors, also known as venture philanthropists.

CAP’s model starts with the Red Cross listening to communities at greatest risk from billion-dollar disasters, then collaborating closely with trusted hyper-local partners. Instead of bringing volunteers and supplies after disasters, the Red Cross provides funding, training, and relationship-building in advance.

“We look for the helpers already established in communities, then ask if they’ll allow us to help them now (during Blue Sky times) so they can help us when disaster hits,” explains Neil Brockway, Senior Director of Community Disaster Risk Reduction. “We build relationships that lead to wraparound services for families and communities, too.”

This approach creates short and long-term wins—a virtuous circle of support. Wins for local organizations, their communities, the Red Cross, and most importantly—wins for donors, because every CAP donation multiplies impact 13x compared to traditional disaster response.

The tour visited three CAP locations, each demonstrating the program’s local customization:

At Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley and Alliance On Aging, guests saw Ford Foundation–donated vehicles—part of a $19M CAP gift—then enjoyed a joyful masquerade event with local food and music.

Rancho Cielo (Heaven’s Ranch), a CAP Hub, youth train in trades like Auto Repair, Construction, and Culinary Arts—the Drummond Academy served guests a restaurant-quality lunch.

At the final stop, Pajaro Rescue Mission, Mike Bordon shared how they support people experiencing homelessness through disaster readiness, relief, and recovery, especially after the 2023 Pajaro flooding.

Throughout the day, “angel” references abounded. But CAP’s greatest Angels are its community creators—the people who listen first, develop trust, and build strong local relationships. Their model should be replicated across the Red Cross and major philanthropic initiatives nationwide. Learn more on our website: https://better.net/human-services/red-cross-community-adaptation-program-tour-monterey-county/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20251227socials_americanredcrosscaptour&utm_id=20251227_socials

12/24/2025

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than by seeing the The Nutcracker? ❄️✨

We love going to the Joffrey Ballet and this classic with a Chicago twist was perfect to get us in the holiday mood. It was a treat to experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera of Chicago. The show runs through Dec. 28!

What gets you in the holiday spirit?

Read more about how The Joffrey Ballet is making it better at Better.net

12/20/2025

The holidays can be joyful, chaotic, and sometimes challenging—but some movies show us the best of humanity along the way. This season, we’re teaming up with The Greater Good Science Center to highlight ten films they’ve identified that explore generosity, empathy, and courage in all their forms.

From George Bailey learning what truly matters in It’s a Wonderful Life to the whimsical, silent magic of The Snowman, these movies tackle life’s big questions with intelligence, humor, and heart. They remind us that even during the busiest season, acts of kindness, compassion, and connection are always possible.

💡 Discover the full list of holiday films that inspire us to be our best selves on our website: https://better.net/arts-events/10-holiday-movies-to-help-you-navigate-the-seasons-rough-patches/?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_campaign=122025_socials&utm_id=greatergood_10movies

Follow Make It Better Foundation and The Greater Good Science Center to celebrate the stories that lift humanity!

12/17/2025

Giving has the power to change lives—right now and for the long term. ✨

Our 2025 Better Guide to Giving highlights organizations doing essential work across education, health care, family support, and the arts. From A Safe Haven Foundation and The Volunteer Center to By The Hand Club For Kids, Big Shoulders Fund, After School Matters, Fenix Family Health Center, Snow City Arts, and GO Campaign, each nonprofit is creating real opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

💛 When you give, your dollars help build safe spaces, expand access, support creative expression, and shape brighter futures. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact today, this guide is a great place to begin.

Explore the guide and support the causes that matter most—link below.
🔗 https://better.net/philanthropy/the-2025-better-guide-to-giving/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20251212socials_guidetogiving25&utm_id=20251212_socials

Know someone looking for ways to get involved? Share this post with them 📩

12/12/2025

Looking for a meaningful way to brighten someone's holiday season? ✨

Our 2025 Guide to Giving makes it easy to support organizations that turn every dollar into real, measurable impact.

And here's a bonus: research shows that acts of generosity—from gifting to financial support—boost your own happiness, too. 💛

These nonprofits reflect the momentum behind thoughtful, effective philanthropy—from venture-philanthropy models that strengthen organizations from within to impact-investing strategies driving long-term community change.

Ready to make the world better?
Explore the full Guide to Giving on our website.
🔗 https://better.net/philanthropy/the-2025-better-guide-to-giving/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=all_platforms&utm_campaign=20251212socials_guidetogiving25&utm_id=20251212_socials

2Blades Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, Changent, Conservation Nation, Marine Trades Institute, Metropolitan Family Services, Siena Retreat Center, Trees That Feed Foundation, Watts of Love