Scratch Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Scratch Foundation is taking significant strides in making coding accessible and free for children across the globe. With the goal of nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and coding skills, the foundation supports young minds in their journey to learn how to code in a fun and engaging way. Two volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation, Calvin McMurray and Ken Hall, have been able to contribute to Scratch Foundation’s mission. They published a collection of kid-friendly example projects for Scratch users. These projects are designed to teach children how to replicate code created by professional developers, giving them a hands-on opportunity to understand the logic behind successful projects. “It allows kids to see code written by professional developers, and they will then be able to edit and remix their own games based on the foundation of our code,” explained Harris. He emphasized the importance of giving children the tools and inspiration to build on real-world coding examples, allowing them to expand their creative skills and critical thinking. By empowering young coders with these resources, Scratch Foundation continues to make coding an inclusive and accessible experience for children worldwide, enabling the next generation of innovators to explore their potential and engage with technology in meaningful ways. To learn more about Scratch Foundation, visit www.scratchfoundation.org . This story can be found on Business Wire

Neponset Rowing Club collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   The Neponset Rowing Club is strengthening its mission to make rowing more accessible to a diverse range of community members. As a community-focused rowing program, the club is dedicated to sharing the joy and benefits of rowing with as many people as possible, regardless of their background or experience. An SBB Research Group Foundation volunteer, Robert Davis, played a role in supporting this mission. Davis collaborated with the Neponset Rowing Club board to develop a comprehensive year-end marketing strategy. This new approach included refreshed messaging and a communication strategy that has already resulted in increased website visits, higher subscriptions to the club's mailing list, and an improvement in their email click-through rates. “Rowing has a transformative effect for young adults who may not thrive in typical sports, and bringing more awareness to the Neponset Rowing Club will allow for a tremendous impact for those individuals,” said Davis, reflecting on the project’s importance. By improving their visibility and outreach, the Neponset Rowing Club is better positioned to reach even more individuals and share the benefits of rowing with a wider community. To learn more about Neponset Rowing and their mission to connect people to rowing, visit www.neponsetrowingclub.org/neponset-rowing-club . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Bolaji Akorede after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2023 . 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). Bolaji Akorede received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during their first year of graduate school at the University of Wyoming to pursue a degree in science education. Since receiving the scholarship, Akorede has been preparing for a conference presentation and was selected as president of the University of Wyoming chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. “Science education is so vital in our society, and I’m happy SBB Research Group Foundation could play a part in preparing a new science educator," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The SBB Research Group Foundation is honored to have played a role in Akorede’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping them achieve their full potential. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Surge for Water (“Surge”) received a donation from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBB Research Group Foundation’s partnership with Surge for Water has helped create lasting change since 2016. Surge, a community-led, women-centered nonprofit, focuses on driving transformational progress across four key areas: water access, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health. Through their work with local field partners, they support communities in Haiti, Uganda, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Over the years, this partnership has enabled the SBB Research Group Foundation to help improve the lives of over 150,000 individuals by providing funding for vital projects such as well drilling, soap-making initiatives, and latrine construction. This year, in a continued effort to support Surge’s progress, the SBB Research Group Foundation donated to fund Surge for Water’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. This role is critical in ensuring the success of Surge’s mission to deliver sustainable access to clean water and hygiene. The officer oversees phased infrastructure installations, regular maintenance, educational programs, and training, while continuously enhancing the operational effectiveness of the organization’s efforts. This work currently benefits more than 100,000 people in rural Uganda. To learn more about Surge for Water and their impactful work, visit their website at https://surgeforwater.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire .

Angel Network Foundation, Inc. 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 was thrilled to partner with the Angel Network Foundation, Inc. to successfully carry out a heartwarming holiday initiative honoring veterans and seniors in Northwest Indiana. The organization was proud to fund and assist in delivering 130 gifts to veteran homes, including the NWI Veterans Village and the Rauner Family Veterans Apartments, as part of the year-end festivities. In addition to distributing the gifts, the Angel Network Foundation and the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered to host a cozy coffee and pastry lunch, providing veterans with an opportunity to socialize, share stories, and connect. The visit to the Gary, Indiana Veterans Village was particularly meaningful, as it was clear that the Foundation played a key role in bringing the spirit of a Christmas event to the residents this year. "The most impactful part of this initiative is being able to take time out during the holidays to visit these veterans," said Steve Mallon, a volunteer for the SBB Research Group Foundation. "Being able to spend time with the residents, hear their stories, and bring a little extra holiday cheer was incredibly rewarding.” For those interested in learning more about Angel Network Foundation please visit www.angelnetworkfoundation.org . This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the March 2025 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  67 Social (Chicago, IL) is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential by offering services designed to uplift and strengthen the community. Through resource planning, community workshops, and mentorship programs, they are dedicated to helping members plan for the future while nurturing both personal and professional development. The Brown House Experience (Chicago, IL) is dedicated to promoting the positive development of youth through hands-on experiences in the arts, mental and physical wellness, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship. By offering these enriching opportunities, they aim to empower young individuals, fostering academic success, social growth, and emotional well-being. Inellas Restoration Center (River Forest, IL) devotes their efforts to creating meaningful change in the lives of women and children who have survived domestic violence. Recognizing the urgency and complexity of these challenges, their mission remains clear: to provide safety, healing, and empowerment for those affected by the devastating impacts of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. 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

World Wildlife Fund received a donation from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce its continued support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through a donation aimed at the conservation of one of North America’s most endangered species. In 2024, WWF used the SBB Research Group Foundation’s donation to protect the Black-Footed Ferret, a species on the brink of extinction, with only 369 known remaining in the wild. The funds were specifically allocated to improving drone technology, which is being used to deliver vaccine pellets to prairie dogs – the ferrets' main food source. The prairie dogs have been afflicted by a non-native disease that is fatal to both the prairie dogs and the Black-Footed Ferrets, making the health of their population crucial for the survival of both species. “This year, the most impactful part of our partnership was being able to focus our donation on upgrading the drones to help save the Black-Footed Ferrets,” said Erin Noonan, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation, who has led the partnership with WWF since 2016. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to hear that the efforts to vaccinate the prairie dogs have been successful, offering hope for the Black-Footed Ferret’s future.” The SBB Research Group Foundation is honored to support WWF’s ongoing efforts to conserve nature and protect wildlife and looks forward to further collaboration in the years to come. To learn more about WWF and their efforts to save the Black-Footed Ferret, please visit WWF Black-Footed Ferret . This story can be found on Business Wire

The Automotive Mentoring Group collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBBRG Foundation and the Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) recently co-hosted an event aimed at community improvement and philanthropic awareness. Organized by Alan Handler, the gathering brought together seven family offices for an exclusive tour and presentation at the AMG garages. AMG, established in 2007, has provided opportunities for over 300 young individuals to develop workforce skills. The organization's commitment to mentorship and skill-building has had a positive impact on both participants and their communities. The event commenced with a guided tour of the AMG garages by Founder Alex Levesque, alongside students and mentors. Attendees observed firsthand AMG's transformative work, from its advanced training facilities to success stories of program graduates. The objective was to showcase AMG's tangible impact. The collaboration between SBBRG Foundation and AMG underscores the value of collective effort and shared responsibility in fostering community engagement beyond financial support. The event aimed to forge lasting partnerships to propel AMG's mission forward. For more details, please visit www.amgmentoring.org . This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation  named Lisa Young 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). Lisa Young, a fourth-year medical student, studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is a Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellow. She has conducted research in a neural engineering lab to investigate the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on fine motor function in rats with cervical spinal cord injuries. “Lisa is working in extremely competitive areas of the medical field, and we are excited to see what she does with her experience," 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

Automotive Mentoring Group collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) is an organization dedicated to ending gang violence and empowering individuals living in Chicago. AMG’s mission is to offer mentorship and teach lifelong skills in automotive repair, giving participants a tangible path to enter the automotive industry and improve their lives. On December 23, 2024, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation visited the AMG shop to assist in preparing the facility for the next group of participants. Through hands-on support, the volunteers helped clean and reorganize the shop to ensure a welcoming and functional environment for the individuals who will be learning vital skills in the new year. “Volunteering at the AMG shop was a truly meaningful experience,” said Daniel Rieboldt, a dedicated volunteer for the SBB Research Group Foundation. “I had the opportunity to meet two young men currently in the program, alongside their mentor, who was teaching them how to shape sheet metal for a restoration project—a 1933 Packard convertible. It was inspiring to witness the skills being passed down, and I believe our efforts to reorganize the parts storage will have a lasting impact on the program.” Please visit their website to learn more about how AMG is uplifting individuals in the Chicago community . This story can be found on Business Wire