The SBB Research Group Foundation named Saarang Sivakumar 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). Saarang Sivakumar, a freshman, studies aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Saarang received his Level 1 High Power Rocketry Certification and secured a spot on the USA Junior National Team for the 2025 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale World Space Modeling Championships in Serbia. “Saarang is accomplishing things in his first year of college that some professionals only dream of. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here," 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 Jameel McDaniel 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). Jameel McDaniel, a sophomore, studies chemistry at Howard University. McDaniel conducted molecular biological research at University of California Berkeley under Dr. James Nuñez, served as the Community Service Chair for the American Chemical Society’s student chapter. “Jameel is building such a solid foundation for himself as a chemist. I’m sure he’s going to have a rich and exciting career," 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 recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the April 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Cancer Wellness Center (Northbrook, IL) is dedicated to helping those affected by cancer move forward with strength and support. By offering guidance, comfort, and a welcoming community, it empowers individuals and their families to cope with the challenges of diagnosis and treatment while fostering connection, healing, and resilience. Heart of a Veteran – Paws of a Veteran (Naperville, IL) supports veterans by ensuring they can care for and keep their companion animals, recognizing the vital role pets play in emotional well-being. Through access to essential supplies, veterinary services, and financial assistance, the program helps reduce barriers to pet ownership while strengthening the bond between veterans and their animals. The GardenWorks Project (Wheaton, IL) works to strengthen communities by addressing food insecurity through the power of local gardening. By educating, empowering, and supporting individuals to grow their own food, it fosters connections between growers, food pantries, and neighbors in need, creating a more resilient and nourished 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 Business Wire

Salute, Inc. 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 visited a veteran who recently moved into a memory care facility. This visit was arranged through Salute, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families during times of crisis. The volunteers brought dinner and spent the evening learning about his life, service, and passions. The time spent together through conversation, music, and shared moments allowed volunteers to honor the veteran’s service and reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to recognizing dignity, companionship, and community engagement for those who have served. “It was an incredible experience to share a meal and hear firsthand about his service and passions. We also got to hear him play guitar, which was a highlight of the night. This experience reminded us how small gestures can make a big difference,” said TJ McKiernan, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation. Learn more about Salute Inc.’s mission and programs at www.saluteinc.org This story can be found on BusinessWire

The Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion a Charity Program. The project was centered on expanding access to competitive chess opportunities for students across the Midwest. The Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing students to the game of chess and the lifelong skills it develops, including strategic thinking, planning, persistence, and patience. RKCF hosted the Greater Chicago Chess Championships at McCormick Place in Chicago, a USCF rated tournament open to Midwest students through grade 12, with a particular focus on reaching students from historically underserved communities, including Chicago Public Schools. “This tournament represents one of the most meaningful ways we can introduce students to the discipline and confidence that chess builds,” said Sandeep Navalgund, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “Working closely with RKCF throughout the planning process and being onsite during the event made it incredibly rewarding to see hundreds of students competing, learning, and engaging with the game.” The event welcomed more than 570 students, making it one of RKCF’s marquee programs and a cornerstone of its mission to broaden access to chess education. Funding associated with the project supported tournament expenses, including venue rental and vendor costs, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and their families. To learn more about the Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation and its programs, visit www.greaterchicago.rknights.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

One World Strong Foundation received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. One World Strong Foundation , based in Newburyport, MA, is strengthening how communities support people impacted by acts of violence, hate, and other traumatic events. Centered on connection and shared understanding, the organization brings together individuals who have lived through profound challenges and are seeking pathways toward healing and stability. Through peer-to-peer support, mentorship, and resource navigation, One World Strong creates spaces where individuals can connect with others who understand the complexities of recovery. Its work focuses on reducing isolation by fostering relationships rooted in empathy, shared experience, and mutual respect. At the core of One World Strong’s mission is the belief that healing is strengthened through community. Many individuals affected by traumatic events face long-term emotional, physical, and social impacts. The organization responds by offering opportunities to connect, share experiences, and learn from others who have navigated similar paths forward. “From the very beginning, One World Strong was built on the understanding that connecting with others who have lived through similar traumatic events can be a critical part of healing,” said Dave Fortier, President and Executive Director. One World Strong also extends its reach through ResilienceNet, a mobile platform that connects users to recovery resources, prevention services, and community networks. The platform supports individuals and practitioners alike by providing access to educational materials, service directories, and peer communities designed to promote resilience and long-term well-being. By prioritizing collaboration and lived experience, One World Strong helps individuals build confidence, regain a sense of belonging, and move forward at their own pace. Its work reflects a commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting recovery through understanding, access, and connection. “One World Strong creates meaningful connections for individuals navigating the impact of traumatic events, and we are proud to support their efforts to build community through peer connection and shared understanding,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s missions (organizations listed alphabetically): Center for Independent Futures (Evanston, IL) partners with individuals with disabilities to support independent living through person-centered coaching, education, housing support, and inclusive community connections. With its initial grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, the organization provided targeted COVID-related assistance and free virtual and in-person social activities for Evanston Township High School Transition House students and alumni. These efforts helped reduce isolation while fostering connection, engagement, and daily structure during a critical period. Peer Plus Education and Training Advocates (Chicago, IL) serves underserved communities across the Midwest by delivering culturally sensitive programs that address complex health, education, and psychosocial challenges, along with non-medical education, training, and workshops. The organization used its initial SBB Research Group Foundation grant to support and expand programming aligned with its mission. Building on the impact of this funding, Peer Plus continues to strengthen community access to education and supportive resources. Will’s Place (Skokie, IL) is a nonprofit café that creates meaningful employment and job training opportunities for adults with disabilities while promoting inclusion, equity, and community understanding. The Foundation’s initial grant helped cover essential operating expenses, making it possible for Will’s Place to employ and train 25 young adults with disabilities while continuing to grow sustainably as a mission-driven café. “These organizations have demonstrated incredible commitment to empowering their communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support them as they continue their vital work and expand the impact of their programs,” said co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation, Matt Aven. 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 Andrew Weishar Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBB Research Group Foundation sponsored the Andrew Weishar Foundation (AWF) to provide holiday assistance to families facing financial difficulties due to cancer diagnoses. KC Casper, along with other volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation, wrapped Christmas presents for the families during the event. Maggie Sommer, Executive Program Director at AWF, shared stories about each family, fostering personal connections between the volunteers and recipients. Following the event, gifts were distributed to six families supported by AWF, with the goal of bringing joy and easing financial strain during the holiday season. Casper expressed satisfaction at observing the impact of their holiday event with the Andrew Weishar Foundation, emphasizing the personal connections made and the event's focus on providing relief to families facing challenges. For more details, please visit www.weish4ever.org This story can be found on Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Rishi Sharma 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). Rishi Sharma, a second-year medical student, studies at the University of Chicago. Sharma has helped to develop diagnostic tools and is working toward the development of AI tools for rare cancer diagnosis and low-cost drug repurposing “Sharma isn’t just committed to medicine, he’s committed to the future of medicine and ensuring it’s better for patients. I’m pleased we could support him in his endeavors," 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 Tiffany Sudijono 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). Tiffany Sudijono, a sophomore, studies cognitive science and information science at University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She has led the development of an AI driven Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that uses adaptive simulations and personalized feedback to improve global clinical training efficiency for medical residents. She also designed and evaluated multiple digital health interventions—spanning perinatal emotion regulation, smoking cessation, and bipolar disorder care—while conducting large scale systematic reviews and mentoring graduate teams in data analysis. “Tiffany is a forward thinker and is already finding ways to improve medicine through technology. I’m proud we could be part of her journey," 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