The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the July 2022 finalists of its monthly grant program, which supports impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): By The Hand (Chicago, IL) is a holistic after-school program that helps kindergarten through college-aged students, in critical need of academic intervention, become successful in school and life. Reading Power (Lake Forest, IL) is an independent, individualized literacy program that works with underserved Lake County (Illinois) schools to provide one-on-one tutoring to children who are at risk in prekindergarten through second grade. The Simple Good (Chicago, IL) provides youth with art programs focused on mindfulness and social and emotional learning. The organization's mission empowers youth to become positive activists through art and discussion. In June, Peer Plus Education and Training Advocates and The Dragonfly Foundation each received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation. Peer Plus Education and Training Advocates provide programs to educate and support underserved populations for various health issues. The organization will use the funds to support families in need of counseling services, utilities, food, rental assistance, medication, transportation, and supplies. The Dragonfly Foundation partners with local hospitals to support and fulfill the everyday needs of children with cancer and their families. The Dragonfly Foundation will use the grant towards their Urgent Requests Program. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Benzinga and PR Web

Reading Power received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Reading Power, a tutoring organization, serves under-resourced schools in Lake County, Illinois, by providing one-to-one tutoring to pre-kindergarten through second grade students. "Our mission is to accelerate children’s literacy learning to help them develop a love of reading and writing," explained Kristin Fine, Reading Power’s Director of Programs. Individualized programs focus on developing reading fluency, comprehension, oral language, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and writing skills. Reading Power collaborates with teachers and administration to provide 25- to 40-minute tutoring sessions during the school day, 3 to 5 days per week. The organization also ensures that students can continue to read at home by gifting them new books and providing them access to a lending library. "It is so exciting to see this unique organization create individualized programs with the power to enhance the educational development of children in need," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. Along with their educational impact, Reading Power also emphasizes the social-emotional benefits of its program. "We know, especially after COVID, that students need to have a caring adult in their life that can give them the attention and care that they need to feel comfortable taking risks in their learning," said Fine. Reading Power currently has nine programs in North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion, as well as an ancillary program in South Carolina. "This year, we will be expanding to two new schools in Waukegan, in minority and low-income areas, where we know the need is great," said Fine. The organization will use the SBB Research Group Foundation’s contribution towards funding and supplies to open a new site. For more information about Reading Power, visit readingpowerinc.org. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the October 2022 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Chicago City Theatre Company DBA Joel Hall Dancers & Center (Chicago) makes dance performance and education affordable and accessible for all artists. The organization's programs serve not only to foster creativity but also to confront and dismantle oppressive issues and improve the community. Compass (Chicago) partners with business professionals to offer free strategic guidance to local nonprofits. Compass' consulting model provides organizations with equitable access to business expertise, allowing nonprofits to receive high-quality support while allowing them to concentrate funding efforts towards increasing community impact. Will's Place (Skokie) is a café with a mission to empower adults with intellectual and physical disabilities by providing them with job opportunities and training to help them lead fulfilling and independent lives. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on EIN Presswire

Soul Survivors of Chicago received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Soul Survivors of Chicago, a nonprofit organization, supports underserved communities tragically impacted by suicide. The organization delivers its mission through four critical areas: shoe donations, community education, advocacy, and financial support to individuals affected by loss. "We address the issue of mental health by supporting the underserved communities in need and understanding and addressing those needs in ways that are not often available," stated Rafiah Maxie, Founder of Soul Survivors of Chicago. Established after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Jamal, to suicide, Maxie explains the organization's sentiment behind shoe donations as moving forward with and honoring the memories of lost loved ones. The SBB Research Group Foundation grant will assist Soul Survivors of Chicago's urgent need to pay for the cost of cleaning donated shoes, assist with storage fees, and help with marketing materials to promote suicide prevention and mental wellness. "Soul Survivors of Chicago has such a unique approach to improving the mental health of people in communities that are often overlooked," says Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For more information about Soul Survivors of Chicago, visit soulsurvivorsofchicago.com The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Benzinga and PR Web

A Safe Place received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Based in Lake County, Illinois, A Safe Place, a nonprofit organization, provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The organization offers a continuum of care that addresses all aspects of abuse, from identifying root causes to creating and maintaining a safe environment for its survivors. Among its many program offerings, A Safe Place provides community education and prevention programs, emergency services, housing, therapy and counseling, intervention, and other essential services. The organization supports individuals across Lake County, Cook County, southern Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Overall, A Safe Place serves over 24,000 individuals per year. "It is time for all of us to get involved," said Damaris Lorta, A Safe Place's Chief Development Officer. "We need the entire community to stand up and support programs that fight domestic violence." Funding from the SBB Research Group Foundation will help A Safe Place continue providing its services. "A Safe Place provides essential support to vulnerable people in our community," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For more information about A Safe Place, visit asafeplaceforhelp.org The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on PR Web

The Chicago Chapter of the Dragonfly Foundation received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. The Dragonfly Foundation partners with local hospitals to fulfill the everyday needs of children with cancer and their families. Since 2010, the Cincinnati-headquartered nonprofit has assisted over 6,500 children with cancer, family members, and caregivers by offering a community of support and resources. “I feel honored to carry forward the organization’s mission and vision of fulfilling these urgent requests and building a community for these families” - Jessica Merar The organization established its Chicago Chapter in March 2020 and partners with seven local hospitals, primarily focusing on fulfilling urgent requests. “I feel honored to carry forward the organization’s mission and vision of fulfilling these urgent requests and building a community for these families,” said Jessica Merar, Director of Programs at The Dragonfly Foundation’s Chicago Chapter. Through the Dragonfly Foundation’s Urgent Requests program, families communicate their needs to their hospital social workers, and the organization fulfills requests with no questions asked. Merar explained, “There is no application. We don’t need any approvals. We just truly want to give the families what they need.” The program offers a variety of resources, including gas cards to offset the costs of traveling to and from treatments, grocery cards, prescription cards, toys, household essentials, and celebrations for life milestones. “This incredibly impactful gift from the SBB Research Group Foundation will support our Urgent Requests Program, helping us deliver the day-to-day needs that arise,” said Merar. “We commend the Dragonfly Foundation for thinking outside the box by focusing on children and families holistically,” said Matt Aven, co-founder, and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. In addition to their Urgent Requests program, The Dragonfly Foundation also hosts patient and family events, community-building programs, assembles hospital care bags, and provides a space for direct donations to patients and their loved ones through their Adopt-A-Family program. For more information about The Dragonfly Foundation, visit dragonfly.org/chicago. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on BusinessWire

SBB Research Group recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the November 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): Northern Illinois Food Bank (Geneva) provides families experiencing food insecurity access to groceries through a network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters throughout the region. PADS Lake County (Waukegan) supports homeless and at-risk individuals and families by providing housing assistance, resources, and shelter. The Period Collective (Lake Forest) partners with local organizations to provide feminine hygiene products to women facing housing and income challenges. 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 awards. Each finalist will receive at least a $1,000 donation. Last month, The Bloc received a $5,000 grant to provide local youth with academic support and mentorship through the sport of boxing. In addition, the funds will enable the organization to expand its programs to other schools and communities. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on BusinessWire.

SBB Research Group, a Chicago-based investment management firm, has named Amanda Alves as the latest recipient of its STEM scholarship program. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society through their pursuit of higher learning, primarily through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Amanda Alves is a rising senior studying biochemistry at Old Dominion University. Previously, she worked for the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician on ships, helicopters, and land-based equipment. While working for the Navy, Amanda received basic electronic engineering training to repair and maintain mission-critical radar and communications equipment. “The combination of Amanda’s experience with the Navy and her biochemistry studies is remarkable,” said Matt Aven, the firm’s COO. “This award reflects her dedication to improving the world through STEM principles, and we are proud to support her education.” To be eligible for the SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship, applicants need to be full-time students pursuing a STEM degree, maintain a 3.5-grade point average or higher, and complete a 500-word essay on their STEM experience and how they would use STEM principles to benefit the world. For more information and to learn how to apply for the SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.com. This story can be found on Globe Newswire and Yahoo! Finance.

SBB Research Group, a Chicago-based investment management firm, has named Brianna Desharnais as the latest recipient of its STEM scholarship program. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning, primarily through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Brianna Desharnais is a senior at Simmons University studying Neurobiology and Applied Music. In high school, she developed a 3D printed shunt as a less expensive alternative to treat hydrocephalus. In college, she extended this work by applying an antimicrobial polymer to the shunt to reduce the risk of infection for patients, and she aspires to be a physician with a focus on public health research. “Brianna’s passion for innovation in healthcare is extraordinary,” said Matt Aven, SBB Research Group’s COO. “We are proud to support her education and dedication to improving the quality and affordability of medical technologies.” To be eligible for the SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship, applicants must be full-time students pursuing a STEM degree, maintain a 3.5-grade point average or higher, and complete a 500-word essay on their STEM experience and how they would use STEM principles to benefit the world. Please visit sbbscholarship.org to apply. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire.

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognized three Chicago-area charities as the November 2022 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Compass to Care Childhood Cancer Foundation (Chicago) Removes transportation barriers to life-saving cancer treatment for children living in poverty, with a complimentary Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) solution. Facing Forward to End Homelessness (Chicago) Offers safe and stable housing, whole-family case management, and a suite of supportive services that aid in ending generational cycles of homelessness. Illinois Joining Forces (Chicago) Helps service members, veterans, and their families find local services and resources that support growth, wellness, and community. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Benzinga and GlobeNewswire