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Humble Design Chicago received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Humble Design Chicago, based in Chicago, IL, is dedicated to transforming houses into homes for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. Centered on dignity and fresh starts, the organization works alongside clients emerging from shelters and transitional housing to create living spaces that are warm, functional, and filled with a sense of belonging. Through donated furniture, household essentials, and the care of dedicated volunteers, Humble Design Chicago turns empty apartments into comfortable sanctuaries. Its work focuses on removing one of the most overlooked barriers to lasting stability — the overwhelming cost and effort of furnishing a home from nothing. At the core of its mission is the belief that a safe, welcoming home environment is foundational to breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization responds to a gap that often goes unaddressed in the housing support system: the moment a person secures a place to live but has nothing to put in it. All services are designed to be dignifying and personalized, ensuring that each client feels respected, valued, and genuinely at home from the moment they walk through the door. "Imagine emerging from homelessness and walking into your new space, only to find it completely empty. That silence can be devastating. We believe a stable, welcoming home is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term housing retention. When someone has a real bed, a table, a couch, they don't just have furniture. They have a life to come back to," said Trish Davies of Humble Design Chicago. Humble Design Chicago's services reach single adults, families, and veterans alike. By combining thoughtful design with community generosity, the organization creates environments where people can truly settle in, decompress, and begin rebuilding their lives with a sense of stability and pride beneath their feet. "Humble Design Chicago is doing vital work to bridge the gap between housing placement and true stability, and we are proud to support their efforts to build community through compassion, generosity, and the transformative power of home," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Temirdire Adesiji a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Temirdire Adesiji, a first-year graduate student, studies electrical and computer engineering at the Brown University School of Engineering. He says his most meaningful accomplishment so far is developing MyGuardian, an AI-powered personal safety system that can detect distress signals, alert trusted contacts with live location information, and escalate emergencies when users are unable to seek help themselves. "Temirdire isn’t just pursuing a degree, he’s committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of others. His dedication to service, leadership, and community impact embodies the values our scholarship seeks to recognize and support," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Folasewa Abiola a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Folasewa Abiola, a junior, studies biochemistry and molecular biology at Fisk University. She has been named National Ambassador for Meharry Medical College through the Health Careers Opportunity Program, where she gained valuable insight into healthcare careers and the importance of serving underserved communities. Currently, she is a Summer Research Intern at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and plans to pursue a career as a pediatric clinical researcher. “Folasewa has such a passion for caring for others in healthcare. I can’t wait to see what she achieves as she continues her education,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.com. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Chicago Children's Museum collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with Chicago Children's Museum at its Navy Pier location to assist staff during a busy Memorial Day weekend. Chicago Children's Museum advances learning through play and provides engaging educational experiences for children and families. Volunteers supported the museum by interacting with guests, assisting within exhibits, and helping in the art and tinkering studios by preparing materials and facilitating activities. “Volunteering at the museum was a rewarding experience for our team,” said Jordan Dubnow, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. “We enjoyed helping children and families engage with the exhibits and activities throughout the day. It was especially meaningful to contribute to an organization that makes learning accessible and enjoyable for so many members of the community.” The volunteer effort helped extend the museum staff’s reach during one of its busiest weekends of the year and likely impacted between 100 and 150 guests. Team members worked across multiple areas of the museum to maximize their assistance, helping children and their families enjoy hands-on educational experiences while reinforcing the museum’s mission of inspiring learning through play. Funding associated with the initiative will help support the museum’s general operating budget as it continues to navigate financial pressures and maintain access to its programs and exhibits. To learn more about Chicago Children's Museum and its mission, please visit Chicago Children's Museum. This story can be found on Business Wire

Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers gathered to prepare book distribution packets for families FHSR supports. FHSR is dedicated to supporting children with hearing challenges and their families through programs and resources that promote communication, inclusion, and self-confidence. During the event, volunteers placed stickers in books, wrote personalized notes, and assembled bags that will be distributed to families participating in the organization’s programs. “Watching my colleagues take such care in preparing the packets and notes was incredibly meaningful,” said Jenny Cizner, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. “They truly understood how impactful these books can be for children and families. Seeing everyone approach the project with such thoughtfulness and compassion was heartwarming.” The book distribution program is an important initiative for FHSR and supports families of children with hearing differences. By providing books that feature relatable characters and experiences, the program helps children see themselves represented in the stories they read, encouraging confidence and a positive sense of identity. Additional funding will help advance FHSR’s other programs and services that benefit children and families throughout the year. To learn more about Foundation for Speech and Hearing Resources and its mission, please visit Foundation for Speech and Hearing Resources website. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Boston Dance Alliance collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers participated in the Cambridge Dance Company Informal Showcase at Mass Motion in Allston, Massachusetts. The showcase provided an opportunity for dancers to share the work they had developed over the previous eight months while engaging audience members through demonstrations, discussions, and interactive educational experiences designed to deepen appreciation for the art of dance. "Creating opportunities for audiences to connect with dance beyond the performance itself is incredibly rewarding," said Lauren Pajer, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. "It was especially meaningful to see audience members engage with the creative process, ask thoughtful questions, and share their excitement about dance. Moments like those help strengthen the connection between artists and the community." This year's showcase introduced a live demonstration showing how dancers learn and refine choreography in real time, giving attendees a unique behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process. The event also generated strong audience participation, particularly among younger attendees who were actively engaged in the question-and-answer session. Funding associated with the initiative will help offset rehearsal space expenses, costume costs, and venue rental fees for the company's larger annual showcase, supporting the continued growth of the organization and its programming. To learn more about Boston Dance Alliance and its mission, please visit the Boston Dance Alliance and Cambridge Dance Company website. This story can be found on Access Newswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the June 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  Future Now Learning (FNL) (St. Charles, IL) is dedicated to making technology education accessible to all. Through hands-on programs focused on artificial intelligence and other STEM fields, the organization helps youth and adult learners develop the skills needed to thrive in an evolving digital world. Humble Design Chicago (Chicago, IL) helps individuals and families in the Chicago area create comfortable, dignified homes after experiencing homelessness. Through essential furnishings and community support, the organization helps clients build a fresh start and a brighter future. Shining Abilities (Lake Villa, IL) partners with individuals with developmental disabilities in Lake and McHenry Counties, helping them build confidence, develop practical life and workplace skills, and foster meaningful social connections. 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 GlobeNewswire

No Shame On U received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. No Shame On U, based in Chicago, IL, is dedicated to transforming the way communities understand and talk about mental health. Centered on education and empowerment, the organization works alongside young people, as well as the adults, educators, and caregivers who support them, to build the awareness and skills needed to recognize, discuss, and respond to mental health challenges. Through evidence-based programs and the guidance of trained facilitators, No Shame On U creates spaces where open, honest conversations about mental health can take place. Its work focuses on dismantling stigma by nurturing environments rooted in empathy, understanding, and shared language. At the core of its mission is the belief that mental health awareness and early support are essential for every young person's overall well-being. The organization responds to the widespread need for accessible mental health education by equipping communities with practical tools and meaningful dialogue. All programming is designed to be inclusive and approachable, ensuring that young people and those who care for them feel seen, supported, and informed. "When I am doing presentations and working with community members, I will often ask the group to raise their hand if they themselves, or someone they know, has ever struggled with mental health, and usually the whole room raises their hand. That is why we are here, to help disarm the stigma," said Wendy Singer. No Shame On U's programming reaches students, families, and school communities alike. By combining peer-driven education with professional expertise, the organization fosters environments where mental health is treated with the same openness and care as physical health, reducing isolation and encouraging connection. By prioritizing both awareness and action, No Shame On U helps young people and the communities around them move forward with greater confidence, compassion, and understanding. Its work reflects a commitment to building a world where no one feels alone in their mental health journey. "No Shame On U is doing vital work to shift the culture around mental health, especially for young people, and we are proud to support their efforts to build community through education, connection, and the power of open conversation," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The Center for Enriched Living collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) provides programs and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead meaningful, connected lives. During a recent volunteer event held in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Foundation volunteers supported one of CEL’s programs, assisting with activities designed to foster social engagement, creativity, and personal growth. “Spending time at CEL is always a meaningful experience—the energy, creativity, and sense of community truly stand out,” said Ashley Koziol, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation. “It’s incredible to see how the programs create opportunities for connection and confidence, and how each member is encouraged to participate, express themselves, and feel a strong sense of belonging.” The support from volunteers allowed CEL to enhance its programming while reinforcing its mission of building a community where individuals of all abilities are valued and included. By contributing their time and energy, volunteers helped create opportunities for meaningful interaction and lasting impact for CEL members. To learn more about The Center for Enriched Living, please visit their website at www.experiencecel.org This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the May 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  Dream Academy Foundation (DAF) (Chicago, IL) offers a series of programs that work collectively to propel youth into the next phase of their lives. Through these efforts, DAF empowers today’s youth to fulfill their dreams for tomorrow. No Shame On U (Chicago, IL) is dedicated to reshaping attitudes about mental health, elevating conversations, and reducing stigma. They support young people, as well as those who support them, with the tools to understand, discuss, and respond to mental health challenges. Teaching Therapy (Elgin, IL) provides preventative mental health services to individuals of all ages in the western suburbs of the greater Chicagoland area, equipping people with the tools to lead balanced, healthy 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 GlobeNewswire