SBB Research Group is pleased to recognize three Chicago-area charities as the March 2021 finalists of its monthly COVID-19 Grant program. The finalists (listed in alphabetical order) this month all focus on the well-being of children and families: Beacon Place (Waukegan) is a neighborhood community center that provides enriching and fulfilling experiences to promote critical life skills such as collaboration, accountability, and integrity. Bounce Children's Foundation (Deerfield) transforms the lives of chronically ill children with a supportive community and fun programming that provides a break from doctor visits and painful therapies. IMD Guest House (Chicago) provides comfortable, temporary lodging for patients and their families who must travel to Chicago for complex, long-term medical treatment. Representatives from each of these nonprofits will have the opportunity to discuss their mission with the Chicago-area investment firm's staff via videoconference. SBB Research Group's employees will vote to allocate the grant awards, with each finalist to receive at least a $1,000 donation. Last month, the Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) received $5,000 to help young men and women escape gang violence by providing them the opportunity to learn the art of classic car and motorcycle restoration. In addition, Aspiritech, which employs over 120 men and women on the autism spectrum in the field of software quality assurance, received $3,000 to empower neurodivergent individuals. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at https://sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Business Wire.

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What is the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)? The NCVS complements the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reports—an annual compilation of police information. The NCVS also counts incidents not reported to the police and provides trends from the victim’s perspective. In 2018, for example, most personal crimes and the majority of property crimes were unreported to the police—55.4 percent and 64.9 percent, respectively. The NCVS, therefore, seeks to provide a comprehensive picture of the impact that crimes of all types have on the general population. How is the Data Collected? The NCVS, conducted for the Bureau of Justice Statistics, is a longitudinal study that collects data from a representative sample of 95,000 households who remain in the sample for 36 months. Subjects are interviewed every six months, either in person or over the phone, to collect information on the types and amount of crime involving people age 12 or older. Periodically, the survey includes crime in schools, contacts with law enforcement, and identity theft. The NCVS collects information on nonfatal personal crimes (e.g., rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault, and personal larceny) and household property crimes (e.g., burglary/trespassing, motor-vehicle theft, and other theft), both reported and not reported to the police. Subjects’ demographic information is collected (e.g., age, sex, race, marital status, education level, and income) and whether they experienced a victimization. The NCVS also collects demographic information about the offender for each incident, the characteristics of the crime (e.g., time and place of occurrence, use of weapons, nature of any injury, and economic consequences), whether the crime was reported to police, the reason the crime was reported or was not reported, and victim experiences with the criminal justice system. The Bureau of Justice Statistics results for 2018 showed that assaults were 77.8 percent of all personal victimizations committed against persons aged 12 or older, and the remainder of the personal crimes includes robbery, rape/sexual assault, and purse-snatching/pocket-picking. The most reported type of property crime for 2018 was theft, such as lawn furniture stolen from a backyard or a bicycle stolen from the driveway—which accounted for 76.5 percent of all property crimes. Other property crimes included burglary (19.5 percent) and motor vehicle theft (4.0 percent). How is the Data Used? The NCVS is used by law enforcement, judicial, and correctional agencies to improve their effectiveness and to plan and develop preventative actions. The data is critical to the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, as well as various branches of the Department of Justice. Source: www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ncvs.html

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What is the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)? The SIPP is a broad, longitudinal survey that collects data related to income, labor force participation, social program participation and eligibility, and general demographic characteristics to measure the effectiveness of existing federal, state, and local programs. The survey collects data across a consistent sample over several years and provides a measure of the nation’s well-being at the household level. Extensive information about family dynamics, educational attainment, housing expenditures, asset ownership, health insurance, disability, childcare, and food security are collected. The survey’s mission is to provide a sample for the evaluation of the movement of various segments into and out of government assistance programs and the country’s changing family and social situations Since 1983, SIPP data has provided the most extensive knowledge of how the nation’s economic well-being changes over time. This data allows for examining the interaction between tax, transfer, and other government and private policies. Government policymakers depend heavily on SIPP for information on income distribution and government assistance programs’ success. How is the Data Used? A significant application of the SIPP is to evaluate the use of and eligibility for government programs. This data provides policymakers with the facts to make better informed economic and policy decisions. SIPP’s longitudinal feature allows for the analysis of selected dynamic characteristics of the population, including changes in income, participation in transfer programs, household and family composition, labor force behavior, and other associated events. Data from SIPP longitudinal survey allow analysts to examine: How changes in benefit levels impact recipients Whether labor force participation is affected by income from other household members How changes in the eligibility rules affect various age, gender, and racial groups The impact of the participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) The interactions between the distribution of income and changes in the structures of households and families Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sipp.html

SBB Research Group LLC is pleased to announce three Chicago-area charities as the February 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program that supports nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): Aspiritech empowers individuals on the autism spectrum through meaningful employment combined with social opportunity. Based in Chicago's northern suburbs, Aspiritech employs over 120 people in its software testing facility. Automotive Mentoring Group teaches the art of classic car and motorcycle restoration to at-risk young men and women in the Chicago-area, helping them escape from the cycle of gang violence. Direct Giving Lab provides low-income families in northern Illinois with immediate assistance for rent, food, utilities, childcare, transportation, and other basic needs. These finalists will deliver presentations about their organization to the Chicago-area investment firm's staff via videoconference. SBB Research Group's employees will vote to allocate the grant awards, with each finalist to receive at least a $1,000 donation. Caring 4 Kids Clothing received a $5,000 grant in January to support local families with much needed essential clothing, school supplies, and household items. SBB Research Group's COO, Matt Aven, said the firm “is honored to support so many critical causes in our community, especially during the pandemic." Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at https://www.sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Business Wire.

SBB Research Group is pleased to select three Chicago-area charities as the January 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting essential nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): The Boys and Girls Club of Lake County offers north suburban Chicago youth an inviting and safe after school environment where they are encouraged to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Caring 4 Kids Clothing provides much-need clothing to hundreds of northern Illinois children, including coats, boots, scarves, and gloves, as well as everyday items such as school uniforms, gym shoes, socks, and undergarments. The Center for Enriched Living serves the citizens of northern Illinois who live with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them to become active participants in the full spectrum of community life. These finalists will deliver a ten-minute presentation via videoconference to the Chicago-area investment firm's staff, who are eager to learn more about the critical work being undertaken by each. The employees will then vote to allocate the company's monthly grant awards. Each finalist will receive a donation of at least $1,000. Last month, Family Matters received $5,000 to further its mission of offering transformative academic and social programs to underserved school-age children. SBB Research Group's COO, Matt Aven, said that "this initiative reflects our commitment to support vitally-needed community services." Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at http://sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Benzinga, IT News Online, PRWeb.

While many people are familiar with the United States Census, which is taken every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, there are actually over 100 different surveys conducted by the US Census Bureau each year. In this educational series, SBB Research Group summarizes key information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but highly important—surveys. What is the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS)? The NHAMCS provides information about the delivery of ambulatory care in hospital emergency rooms and outpatient surgery centers throughout the United States. The survey is conducted by the g and incorporated into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ambulatory Health Care Database. Survey data is collected on the number of visits by demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, gender) as well as the type of institution and geography. In addition, various other details are recorded, such as the patient’s reason for the visit (specific chronic conditions and traumatic injury statistics), the provider’s diagnosis, and services ordered or provided. Information is also collected about treatment, including medication therapy and vital statistics, payment (public/private insurance, Medicare, etc.), and the type of provider (physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or mental health provider). Methodology of NHAMCS Findings for the NHAMCS are based on a sample of visits to community health centers and non-federal office-based physicians engaged in direct patient care. A three-stage sampling method is utilized to select geographically defined hospitals and emergency departments. How is the Data Used? Data collected by the NHAMCS provides statistics on visits to both hospital emergency departments and outpatient departments. This data is analyzed by Congress, governmental agencies, and public health organizations to define healthcare policies. Universities, medical schools, and research organizations study the information for educational and policy decision-making purposes. With this data, policymakers can take action around critical health care issues, such as: The impact of the national opioid crisis and the aging US population Healthcare reform and the growing number of uninsured individuals Trends of hospital inpatient to outpatient surgery The use of innovative diagnostic and medical record technologies Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/ahcd/index.htm

While many people are familiar with the United States Census, which is taken every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, there are actually over 100 different surveys conducted by the US Census Bureau each year. In this educational series, SBB Research Group summarizes key information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but highly important—surveys. What is the E-Commerce Statistics (E-STATS) Report? The E-Commerce Statistics (E-STATS) report is conducted by the United States Census Bureau to measure the value of goods and services sold online. Its goal is to measure the electronic economy in particular and excludes companies with physical storefronts as long as they do not primarily fill e-commerce orders from their stores. These companies are asked to provide separate information for their e-commerce divisions. Agriculture, mining, construction, agents, brokers, and electronic markets that participate in wholesale trade are all excluded as well. E-commerce exports are included in the E-STATS report. Foreign customers and affiliates are also included but are not separable from domestic data. Firms that go out of business are dropped from the survey on an annual basis in the spring of each year. Results of e-commerce provided by these firms are included until the company ceases operations completely. The data for the E-STATS report is compiled from data in four separate surveys: The Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS) targets all US firms with paid employees that are primarily engaged in retail trade. The Annual Survey of Manufactures (ASM) provides sample estimates of statistics for all manufacturing establishments with at least one employee. The Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS) conducted yearly to provide detailed industry measures of sales, inventories, operational expenses, and purchases for wholesale trade activities. The Service Annual Survey (SAS) provides comprehensive data of service activity in the United States. These surveys use different measures of economic activity, such as: Shipments for manufacturing Sales for wholesale and retail trade Revenues for service industries What is the Data Used For? The statistics collected in the E-STATS report are primarily used to provide the business community and policymakers of the United States with relevant economic metrics, which inform business and policy decisions. How E-Commerce Shipments, Sales, and Revenues Are Defined E-commerce shipments are online orders for manufactured products. Payments may or may not be made online, but price and terms of sale must be negotiated over one of the following: Internet Extranet Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) network Electronic mail Other online systems E-commerce sales/revenues require the buyer to place an order online (though payments do not have to be made online) through the following mediums: Internet Mobile device (m-commerce) Extranet Electronic Data Interchange (EDI network) Electronic mail Other online systems As with all US Census reports and surveys, estimates provided by the sample surveys are subject to both sampling and non-sampling error. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/e-stats.html

While many people are familiar with the United States Census, which is taken every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, there are actually over 100 different surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. In this educational series, SBB Research Group summarizes key information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but highly important—surveys. What is the Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (ASE)? The Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (ASE) is a survey conducted annually through a partnership among the Census Bureau, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The information collected provides data on specific economic and demographic attributes of businesses and their owners, including gender, ethnicity, race, and veteran status. Responses to the survey are mandatory based upon the authorization from Title 13 of the United States Code. The ASE is an example of a collaboration between public and private organizations; funding from the Kauffman Foundation and the MBDA enable the partnership to create new content, distribute the survey via mailings to a sample population, process the collected data, and produce new products to aid in relaying results to the public. The goal of this collaboration is to provide a more complete picture of business ownership in the United States. How ASE Data is Used The information collected through the ASE is used by leaders in government and industry, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration and MBDA use information collected to help decide how to allocate program resources to businesses in need. Government agencies – from federal to local – use data collected to help plan, direct, and review programs that enable activities of disadvantaged groups. Researchers can identify long-term economic trends and demographic shifts. Business owners can harness the data to review their operations against their competition to determine growth potential. Survey Eligibility Businesses surveyed include all nonfarm related businesses that file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service as either a sole proprietorship, partnership, or any corporation that holds receipts greater than $1,000. The ASE surveys companies as a whole, rather than each individual establishment. Data collected from businesses and business owners are subsequently combined with data obtained from both the general economic census and administrative records. The survey specifies business ownership as having 51% or more of the equity in the business, and categorizes results into the following: Gender: Male; female; equally male/female Ethnicity: Hispanic; non-Hispanic; equally Hispanic/non-Hispanic Race: White; Black or African American; American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; some other race; minority; nonminority; equally minority/nonminority Veteran Status: veteran; nonveteran; equally veteran/nonveteran Publicly held and other companies that are not classified by gender, ethnicity, race, and veteran status Frequency of Survey The ASE is conducted every year for a reference period of three years, beginning with the reference year 2014. The ASE is a supplement to the Survey of Business Owners (SBO), which is conducted every five years. Prior-year estimates are revised each year. General Topics in the Survey The ASE generates its content by selecting questions from the 2012 Survey of Business Owners and by developing new modules each year with questions regarding current relevant economic topics. Examples of topics covered in the last several years include innovation, research and development, management practices, record-keeping practices, business banking relationships, business advice and planning, and regulations. By gathering this information, the ASE provides valuable insights into the composition of American businesses. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ase.html

Surge for Water , a Chicago-area nonprofit, has helped over a million people around the world gain access to safe water. The organization continues to expand its efforts to address the global water crisis by working closely with community partners and corporate sponsors, such as SBB Research Group , which has collaborated with Surge for Water since 2015. What began as a pilot project distributing water filters in rural Uganda has expanded to include well rehabilitation, latrines for schools, and vital educational resources. Shilpa Alva, executive director of Surge for Water, gave a presentation at Chicago Water Week with SBB Research Group’s Jordan Robinson, who has spearheaded this collaboration. “When we came to you, we actually hadn’t even started working in Uganda yet,” Alva told Robinson. “We have impacted 150,000 people in Uganda since that date, so it’s just phenomenal what having that trust has meant to us and most importantly, to providing access and addressing the global water crisis.” “Something we’re really proud of is how Surge has been able to be so effective and efficient with the capital we’re providing,” added Robinson. Surge for Water is hosting a virtual gala sponsored by SBB Research Group, “Dance Through the Decades,” which will feature professional dance performances, a silent auction, and other unique presentations to raise awareness and funds for the organization’s projects. The main event will begin on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 7:30 PM Central Time. Registration is free at surgeforwater.org/dance and donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. This story first appeared on EINPresswire

SBB Research Group is excited to recognize three charities as the October 2020 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): AIDS Foundation Chicago supports Chicagoans living with HIV/AIDS and offers prevention services in partnership with policymakers. Mobile Care Chicago operates a fleet of mobile clinics that offer free medical and dental care to low-income families in the Chicago area. Readers2Leaders (Alexandria, VA) promotes literacy by providing underserved children with e-readers loaded with thousands of electronic books. These finalists will give ten-minute presentations via videoconference to the Chicago-area 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, Share Our Spare received $5,000 to collect and distribute essential baby items to families living in poverty. SBB Research Group’s COO, Matt Aven, said that the company is “honored to support so many important causes through this program.” Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story first appeared on GlobeNewswire.