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

SBB Research Group recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the July 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): Firehouse Community Arts Center (Chicago) prevents and interrupts the cycle of violence in the community by offering at-risk youth and young adults the opportunity to participate in programs with a focus on dance and music. Gratitude Generation (Deerfield) supports the community by coordinating volunteer service opportunities for children, families, and organizations. Journeys: The Road Home (Palatine) provides shelter, social services, and housing to the homeless and those at risk. 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 award. Each finalist will receive at least a $1,000 donation. Last month, Fill a Heart 4 Kids received a $5,000 grant to provide support, supplies, and a sense of community to homeless and foster children in Illinois. In addition, an SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship was awarded to Amanda Alves, a biochemistry student at Old Dominion University. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Business Wire

GiveNKind has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. GiveNKind connects organizations with quality goods from individuals and businesses, providing nonprofits resources to focus on essential operations and programs. "We solve a problem of matching unused goods with critical demand. The nonprofit sector is just missing the link to connect the two," said Emily Petway, Founder and Executive Director of GiveNKind. GiveNKind distributed 900,000 pounds of food to local organizations feeding the hungry during the COVID-19 pandemic and is on track to distribute over $4 million worth of items this year. The organization will use the grant from SBBRG to increase the donated products they offer to their nonprofit partners this holiday season. For every $1 gifted to the organization, approximately $40 of goods are distributed throughout the community. SBBRG’s $5,000 contribution will translate into about $200,000 of in-kind donations to GiveNKind’s community partners. "We were particularly impressed by the magnified impact of each dollar," said Matt Aven, SBBRG’s COO. Additionally, GiveNKind’s impact extends beyond the immediate nonprofit community to solve a vital social and environmental issue. "Usable goods don’t belong in landfills, especially when those goods fill a need in our community," continued Petway. For more information about GiveNKind, visit givenkind.org. To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply. This story can be found on Business Wire

The Period Collective (TPC) received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. The Period Collective partners with local organizations to provide hygiene products to women facing income and housing challenges. "We work to fight period poverty in the greater Chicago area by providing menstrual products to homeless and low-income individuals," said Ida Melbye, TPC's Executive Director. "With access to essential menstrual products, individuals can remain in school, attend work, and fully participate in life with their integrity, health, and dignity intact." Contributions enable TPC to purchase hygiene products in bulk for distribution to those in need. Partnering organizations then distribute the products through homeless shelters, schools, food banks, and other facilities. "TPC is making such a difference in the lives of countless women in our community," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the Foundation. "TPC is addressing a critical need that deserves much more attention." For more information about The Period Collective, please visit theperiodcollective.org. To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply. This story can be found on PR Web

SBB Research Group recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the August 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): GiveNKind (Mundelein) collects donated goods from individuals and businesses and distributes them to other nonprofits. Keeping Families Covered (Waukegan) partners with local social service agencies to provide diapers and other essential items for families in need. Rebuilding Together North Suburban Chicago (Glenview) repairs homes at no cost to enable the homeowner to live safely and independently. 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 Firehouse Community Arts Center received a $5,000 grant to focus on violence prevention with at-risk youth and young adults. The funds will provide members with unique experiences outside of Chicago. In addition, the contribution will help to expand the workforce development program, allowing The Firehouse to offer individuals paid job opportunities. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Business Wire

Will's Place received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Will's Place is a nonprofit organization that plans to open a Skokie-based café in Spring 2023. Founders Joan Hallagan and Cathy Maassen's goals are to provide a positive, safe, and inclusive work environment for adults with developmental challenges and offer quality menu items. "Maybe we don't all fit in the same place, but there should also be a place for us to go," said Joan Hallagan. "Every community should have a program like this; it is not just the kids that will benefit. People coming in and seeing a different type of employee is still a good thing. It might take a little more patience or a little bit more kindness, but it will be a good learning experience for everyone in our community." The café will teach their employees various food service-related skills with the help of volunteers and teachers. They also plan to use the café as a place for people to build new friendships and socialize with the community. The organization will use the SBB Research Group Foundation grant to help fund their 2,000 sq. ft commercial kitchen at the café. "Will's Place offers more than just employment. They provide a supportive community and a sense of belonging to people in our community," said Matt Aven, co-founder, and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on PR Web

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited six prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of their missions (organizations listed alphabetically): Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (Central Illinois) empowers community members facing low-income struggles by providing poverty-fighting initiatives and services for those in crisis. The initial grant provided additional toiletries and transportation services to their elderly constituents. Family Matters (Chicago) partners with youth and families in northeast Chicago, seeking to facilitate personal and collective justice and deliver meaningful social change to community members. The organization used the initial grant to develop additional lesson plans and curricula. Heartland Animal Shelter (Northbrook) is a Northbrook-based adoption shelter dedicated to finding permanent caring homes for homeless animals and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. The initial grant helped fund a volunteer coordinator and improve program tracking metrics. Mobile Care Chicago (Chicago) operates a fleet of mobile clinics that offer free medical and dental care to low-income families in the Chicago area. During the pandemic, the organization used the initial grant to bring testing, vaccination, and COVID education into the community. Share Our Spare (Chicago) collects and distributes essential baby items to families struggling with in poverty, helping their children thrive early in life. The initial grant enabled Share our Spare to increase the distribution of diapers by 60% during the pandemic. Simply Destinee (Aurora) saves lives by promoting mental health and raising awareness about suicide; their inspirational dance and art programs foster creativity and social-emotional learning. The initial grant extended dance programs focused on social and emotional learning during the pandemic. "These six grant recipients help the community in so many ways," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the Foundation. "We are honored to further our partnerships with these organizations." To apply for a grant from the Foundation, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant . New grants are awarded each month and any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply. This story can be found on Benzinga