Over two billion people—more than a quarter of the global population—do not have access to safe water. As part of Chicago Water Week, nonprofit Surge for Water and investment firm SBB Research Group will discuss their long-term partnership to provide safe water to thousands of people in Kaberamaido, Uganda. Shilpa Alva, executive director of Surge for Water, founded her organization in 2008 to address the global water crisis. She will be joined at Chicago Water Week by SBB Research Group’s Jordan Robinson, who has spearheaded the firm’s collaboration with Surge for Water since 2015. Their projects together have repaired wells, distributed hundreds of water filters, and provided vital educational resources, which has resulted in 1,953 people now having access to safe water in their community. "Surge for Water has a tremendous impact on so many lives," said Robinson. "We are proud to partner with them and look forward to discussing our work together at Chicago Water Week." To make a tax-deductible donation to Surge for Water, visit surgeforwater.org/donate This story first appeared on Business Wire

SBB Research Group is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship for the seventh consecutive year. Hundreds of students will compete for the title of "City Champion" at the City of Chicago's official chess championship on February 6, 2021. SBB Research Group is grateful to partner with the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, the Kasparov Chess Foundation, and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Academic Chess Program for this annual tournament. SBB Research Group’s support for scholastic chess tournaments, which dates back to 2013, has been spearheaded by Sandeep Navalgund, the firm’s principal engineer. "Chess is a phenomenal conduit through which to teach kids important concepts, such as persistence, planning, and patience," Navalgund says. "We hope that the kids who engage with chess will become lifelong learners and develop their abilities and skills into a successful future." Given COVID-19 health and safety considerations, the tournament will be held online this year on the ChessKid platform ( www.chesskid.com ). Players will compete in groups based on age and experience levels. The format will consist of a five-round Swiss-system throughout the day. Unlike last year, players are not required to be US Chess Federation members. Even with the online format, trophies will still be awarded to top finishers. The trophies will be delivered to schools for distribution to CPS students and mailed directly to non-CPS students. Online registration is required. For details, please visit http://greaterchicago.rknights.org/ . SBB Research Group's partnership with CPS Academic Chess provides free entry to all participating CPS students and students from Title I under-resourced schools. This story was featured on Business Wire

Family Matters is the latest recipient of a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Based in northwest Chicago, Family Matters offers underserved school-age children academic and social programs that engage them through transformative educational experiences. In partnership with the local community, Family Matters works to close the education gap by guiding students through each stage of school and preparing them for college and careers. Through programs such as Boys to Men and Girl Power, the organization inspires youth to build leadership, academic, social justice and career skills with the goal of developing resilient, responsible, and accountable community leaders. “We are excited to partner with SBB Research Group as we continue our work of bringing youth, families, and our community together” said Ann Hinterman. Family Matters believes that youth development depends on holistic family involvement. Staff and volunteers work to nurture meaningful and life-changing relationships within homes, schools, and the community using Family Matters’ “Principles of Leadership”: positive thinking, peaceful conflict resolution, and responsible decision making. “SBB Research Group is proud to support Family Matters and we share their values,” said Matt Aven, SBB Research Group’s COO. The company selected Family Matters for this grant because obstacles for Chicago-area students have multiplied during the pandemic. Aven added, “COVID-19 has made it difficult for students to sustain their academic and social progress, particularly while in-school learning is restricted.” With limited exceptions since March 2020, Chicago Public Schools have only provided remote instruction. Ann Hinterman, Director of Grants Management and Community Engagement at Family Matters, said, “Family Matters is deeply grateful to SBB Research Group for their generous support of Family Matters’ transformational youth education and community leadership program.” She goes on to say, “We are excited to partner with SBB Research Group as we continue our work of bringing youth, families, and our community together.” For more information about Family Matters, please visit familymatterschicago.org. To apply for a grant from SBB Research Group, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply and grants are awarded to different organizations every month. This story first appeared on ED Times

Caring 4 Kids Clothing (C4K) is the latest recipient of a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. C4K founder Christine Thompson said that "SBB Research Group’s contribution will help Caring for Kids Clothing support many local families with a variety of clothing, household, and school supply needs." For over ten years, C4K has provided much-needed clothing items to over 500 school-age children in Northern Illinois, such as gym shoes, school uniforms, coats, and boots. Working directly with local school administrators and teachers, C4K serves children who are most in need of clothing support. During the pandemic and the subsequent closing of area schools, C4K began delivering clothing directly to children’s homes. The clothing recipients tell C4K’s volunteers that it is "better than Christmas" as they lace up a pair of shoes with proper soles or zip up a warm winter jacket. Their bright smiles tell it all. "Throughout the pandemic, we have focused on the needs of children and families," said Matt Aven, SBB Research Group’s COO. In addition to its latest grant to C4K, the firm recently supported Family Matters, which offers academic and social programs, Mobile Care Chicago, which provides free health and dental treatment to underserved children, and Share Our Spare, which distributes essential infant products. Thompson highlighted the significance of this donation to C4K, adding that this grant "provides immediate relief for families and children struggling during these difficult times." For more information about Caring 4 Kids Clothing, please visit c4kclothing.org. To apply for a grant from SBB Research Group, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply and grants are awarded to different organizations every month. This story can be found on Business Wire

Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) is the latest recipient of a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Since 2012, the AMG has recruited gang members off of Chicago's streets to teach them to restore classic cars. The organization focuses on mentoring young men and women, and getting them back in school and eventually enrolled in colleges that have automotive programs. Depending on their age, the mentees are trained on model cars, bicycles, and refrigerators, before moving to classic vehicles. Most importantly, AMG instills dedication, confidence, and experience as foundational components of the mentees’ future careers. The program requires a five-year commitment from its members and has achieved an 85% success rate of no gang affiliations or arrests. "The Automotive Mentoring Group is grateful to be among the winners in SBB Research Group's COVID-19 Grant Program, said Alex Levesque, AMG’s founder. "AMG works in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department to encourage young men and women to participate in our classic car restoration training program as a pathway out of gang-related activities." SBB Research group's contribution will support much-needed heating and other utilities so AMG can continue to provide educational services for its mentees, even on Chicago’s coldest winter days. "We were inspired by Alex Levesque's journey," said Matt Aven, SBB Research Group's COO. "Every one of their beautifully restored cars are symbols of AMG’s lifesaving work." For more information about the Automotive Mentoring Group, please visit AMG's website. To apply for a grant from SBB Research Group, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations every month. This story can be found on Business Wire

Aspiritech, a pioneer in autism advocacy, acceptance, and meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent adults, has received a $3,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Apiritech employs over 120 men and women on the autism spectrum in their software testing facility. Aspiritech’s website advertises that its employees have "intense focus, attention to detail, strong visual processing abilities, exceptional technical expertise, and a lack of boredom with repetitive tasks" — ideal talents for providing software quality assurance (SQA) services. Global corporations trust Aspiritech with critical work that directly impacts their bottom line, such as regression testing, data migration, test design, compatibility testing, design consistency, and other SQA services. Aspiritech is proud to provide best-in-class deliverables while helping fill a vital employment gap. "SBBRG's donation makes a real difference in their lives. It is vital during this very uncertain year, as we continue to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals with autism." Executive Director Brenda Weitzberg says she is "grateful to SBBRG for this grant opportunity. SBBRG's gift helps Aspiritech realize our mission of empowering individuals on the autism spectrum to fulfill their potential through meaningful employment combined with social opportunity." Weizberg continues, "SBBRG's donation makes a real difference in their lives. It is vital during this very uncertain year, as we continue to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals with autism." The SBBRG grant will make a significant contribution to the company's ACE Fund that: Assists with transportation, housing, or short-term unexpected medical, family, and other emergency expenses Changes the quality of life of the company staff by funding programs incorporating fitness, health and wellness, and independent living Empowers Aspiritech employees through funding continuing education opportunities, advocacy programs, and other social services "As a technology-driven organization, SBB Research Group understands the importance of software testing and analysis. We are excited to support a local organization that employs adults on the autism spectrum that takes advantage of their unique skills," said Matt Aven, SBBRG's COO. For more information about Aspiretech, please visit www.aspiritech.org To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations every month. This story can be found on Business Wire

SBB Research Group is excited to recognize three Chicago-area charities as the April 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program that supports impactful nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): Henry Williams Love Foundation (Hazel Crest) supports and advocates for underserved children and families through various programs and services. Stand Strong Coalition (Buffalo Grove) empowers teens to build a safe and healthy community by providing education, advocacy, and other resources to decrease alcohol and drug use. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago (Chicago) offers programs for women and families that focus on wellness, education and training, and economic sustainability. These finalists will give brief presentations via videoconference to the investment firm's staff, who will ask questions to learn more about each of these important causes. The employees will then vote to allocate the company's monthly grant awards. Each finalist will receive at least $1,000 in donations. Last month, Bounce Children's Foundation received $5,000 to improve the overall wellbeing of children with chronic illnesses. SBB Research Group's CEO, Sam Barnett, Ph.D., said, "Bounce's support system and programs help so many children and their families during extremely challenging times." Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Business Wire

Bounce Children's Foundation received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Chicagoland not-for-profit organization Bounce Children's Foundation (Bounce) improves the overall wellbeing of children with chronic illnesses. The organization offers a range of activities and resources that connect children and families to the compassionate Bounce community. Bounce gives the children a chance to enjoy their childhood and provides a sense of hope to the entire family. As one Bounce dad put it, "Bounce helps families heal." This holistic approach recognizes the needs of children, and just as importantly, all members of their families. Joan Steltmann, CEO of Bounce, says the organization "is honored and deeply grateful to receive a grant from SBB Research Group. This funding ensures Bounce can continue its essential work of serving nearly 2,000 Bounce kiddos, Bounce siblings, and Bounce parents and say YES to even more families in need." "As someone who was diagnosed with a chronic illness as a child, Bounce’s extraordinary work speaks to me personally," said Sam Barnett, Ph.D., CEO of SBB Research Group. "Bounce’s support system and programs help so many children and their families during extremely challenging times." For more information about Bounce Children's Foundation, visit BounceChildrensFoundation.org To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations every month. This story can be found on Business Wire

Henry Williams Love Foundation (HWLF) received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants during the pandemic to support impactful organizations. Headquartered in Hazel Crest, Illinois, HWLF provides short-term supportive services and advocacy to youth and families in need. In honor of their namesake, HWLF focuses on providing emergency services to those who have experienced unexpected loss, supportive services for entrepreneurs in its Black Business Incubation program, and access to technology, arts, and other educational resources. "We do our work quietly and with honor, just like our namesake, Henry Williams. This grant will be a tremendous help as we continue fulfilling our mission." "Henry Williams Love Foundation’s goal is to help improve people’s quality of life by planting seeds of hope, resilience, and skill-building that bloom equity, love, happiness, and prosperity throughout families, households, communities, and beyond," said HWLF President and CEO Kyla Williams. "We do our work quietly and with honor, just like our namesake, Henry Williams. This grant will be a tremendous help as we continue fulfilling our mission." SBBRG’s contribution will help support the operations of HWLF’s outdoor programs, making it possible to run them successfully, safely, and free of charge. "We are proud to support HWLF," said Matt Aven, COO of SBB Research Group. "It’s important that underserved children and families in the community continue to have access to HWLF’s services during these extremely challenging times." For more information about HWLF, visit https://henrywilliamslove.org/ To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations every month. This story can be found on Business Wire

SBB Research Group is excited to recognize three charities as the May 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen (Chicago, IL) provides families in need with regular access to food in a comfortable setting. Special Gifts Theatre (Northbrook, IL) utilizes therapeutic techniques through theatre arts to improve the overall wellbeing of individuals with disabilities. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5531 (Wathena, Kansas) is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community programs. These finalists will give brief presentations via videoconference to the investment firm’s staff, who will ask questions to learn more about each of these important causes. The employees will then vote to allocate the company’s monthly grant awards. Each finalist will receive at least $1,000 in donations. Last month, Henry Williams Love Foundation received $5,000 to provide short-term supportive services and advocacy to youth and families in need. "We are proud to support HWLF. Said Matt Aven, SBB Research Group’s COO. "It’s important that underserved children and families in our community continue to have access to HWLF’s services during these extremely challenging times." Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Business Wire