Search this site

World Wildlife Fund 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 supports the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with a continued partnership dedicated to expanding ongoing conservation efforts for the black-footed ferret, one of North America’s most endangered species. This year’s contribution builds on the SBB Research Group Foundation’s previous support and helps WWF broaden the reach of its disease mitigation strategy across additional prairie dog colonies. In 2024, WWF focused on advancing drone delivery systems for vaccine-laced bait pellets, a critical tool for combating sylvatic plague in prairie dog populations, the primary food source for black-footed ferrets. With the 2025 partnership, WWF is now able to apply these upgraded technologies across a larger habitat range, allowing vaccination efforts to reach new sites that were previously inaccessible. Expanding this work is critical to stabilizing prairie dog numbers and, in turn, improving survival for the black-footed ferret. “WWF has proven how targeted vaccine delivery can protect both prairie dogs and the ferrets that rely on them,” said Erin Noonan, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “This year’s support is about helping and strengthening the long-term health of this fragile ecosystem.” The SBB Research Group Foundation values the opportunity to continue supporting WWF’s conservation initiatives. 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 GlobeNewswire

The Dragonfly Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   SBBRG Foundation volunteers came together to assemble Valentine’s Day kits that will be distributed during The Dragonfly Foundation’s upcoming holiday event. The hands-on activity gave volunteers the opportunity to directly support families impacted by pediatric cancer while strengthening connections among team members through shared service. The Dragonfly Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing ongoing emotional, financial, and practical support to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. “This project was a wonderful way to start the year with purpose,” said Jaime Djuric, a volunteer at the Foundation. “We came together to write heartfelt cards and prepare meaningful gifts that will brighten families’ Valentine’s Day. It was truly a team effort from start to finish.” The volunteer initiative brought participants together around a shared goal of giving back, providing meaningful support for The Dragonfly Foundation’s Valentine’s Day event. Through collaboration and service, volunteers helped create moments of care and connection for families impacted by pediatric cancer. To learn more about The Dragonfly Foundation and its mission, visit: www.chicago.dragonfly.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Heartland Animal Shelter 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 create enrichment “busy boxes” for shelter dogs—interactive puzzles designed to reduce kennel stress and provide mental stimulation through scent, texture, and treat-based engagement. Heartland Animal Shelter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for homeless animals, while promoting humane education and responsible pet ownership. “We wanted to do something that had an immediate and meaningful impact on the dogs at Heartland,” said Laura Heisinger, a volunteer with the Foundation “The busy boxes are simple, but they provide critical mental enrichment that helps reduce stress and supports overall well-being. It was incredibly rewarding to see how engaged and enthusiastic our colleagues were throughout the event.” The project resulted in the completion of two large boxes of enrichment puzzles, providing Heartland Animal Shelter with several weeks’ worth of activities for dogs in their care. The supplies were created using donated recyclables and volunteer-prepared materials, maximizing both sustainability and impact. To learn more about Heartland Animal Shelter and how to support its mission, visit: heartlandanimalshelter.org . This story can be found on Business Wire

Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. In November 2025, the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with the Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) in Bedford Park, an organization that provides mentorship and hands‑on automotive training to at-risk young adults pursuing career opportunities in the trades. Volunteers supported a fundraising event hosted for potential donors, assisting with guided tours of the facility. Donors had the chance to tour the shop, meet program participants, and observe the hands-on instruction that helps students build confidence, skills, and long-term career pathways. “It has been an honor to support AMG’s mission for several years,” said Alan Handler, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “Their determination to help their participants is admirable and they are changing lives.” The SBB Research Group Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to assist AMG and support their ongoing work to create meaningful training and mentorship pathways for young adults. To learn more about the Automotive Mentoring Group, please visit: www.amgmentoring.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Boston-area charities as the January 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Day Dreaming Organization Inc. (Lawrence, MA) empowers youth to thrive through mentoring, academic support, and creative opportunities. By building confidence and fostering community connections, they support youth in turning their goals into purposeful paths forward. One World Strong Organization (Newburyport, MA) focuses on bringing together and supporting a global community of individuals impacted by traumatic experiences. It offers a safe space for connection, shared stories, and mutual support throughout the healing process. Purekare Health Corporation (Boston, MA) is dedicated to addressing interconnected challenges, including untreated mental health conditions, substance use disorders, overdose risk, and lack of access to harm-reduction education. They provide practical, life-saving support through community outreach, mental health counseling, and substance abuse counseling. 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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Suhana Mushtaq after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2025. 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). Suhana Mushtaq received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her sophomore year at Emory University to pursue a degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Since receiving the scholarship, Suhana has started a multilingual Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) initiative in English and Spanish, with an American Sign Language CPR course under peer review. She is also planning a smartphone-based CPR tool to provide multilingual Automated External Defibrillator guidance in real time. “Suhana’s work could save lives. We are proud to have a small part in supporting it,” 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 Suhana Mushtaq’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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Chisom Orizu after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2025. 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). Chisom Orizu received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her first year of graduate studies at the Georgetown University School of Medicine to pursue a degree in Biotechnology. Since receiving the scholarship, Chisom has presented her research at the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers conference, where she won the People’s Choice Award. She also supported oncology trials that impacted more than 15,000 people. “Chisom is an exceptional researcher, and we are happy to support continued studies,” 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 Chisom Orizu’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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Emerald Bell after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2024 . 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). Emerald Bell received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her fourth year of graduate studies at the University of Arizona to pursue a degree in Nursing. Since receiving the scholarship, Emerald has finished her degree and received the University of Arizona College of Nursing Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award. She is currently expanding her dissertation research in the Herbst-Kralovetz Lab and is applying for Medical Science Liaison positions. “We are proud of Emerald and the excellence she has shown in her PhD and research. I hope to hear about her success as a Medical Science Liaison soon,” 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 Emerald Bell’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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Allen Dao after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2025. 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). Allen Dao received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during his freshman year at University of San Diego School of Medicine to pursue a degree in Medicine. Since receiving the scholarship, Allen co-authored a study evaluating the effectiveness of ChatGPT-4 in medical education. He has also worked to provide screenings, education, and care in underserved areas. “Allen’s commitment to making medicine accessible is commendable. I’m glad we were able to support his education,” 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 Allen Dao’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

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): Inellas Restoration Center (Chicago, IL) is devoted 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 initial SBB Research Group Foundation grant funded counseling, therapy, workshops, and community outreach to support individuals facing significant challenges in Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Salaam Community Wellness Center (Chicago, IL) is dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing holistic wellness in under-resourced communities. By combining integrative medical care, mental health support, and wellness education, Salaam CWC addresses health disparities and promotes whole-person healing. The Foundation’s initial grant bolstered their federally qualified grant application, enhanced business planning, optimized marketing and communications, and strengthened finance, accounting, and budgeting processes. Violet’s Kitchen (Carol Stream, IL) provides freshly prepared, nutritious meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Committed to serving with dignity and kindness, the organization works to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry. The Foundation’s initial grant provided food and emergency supplies for unsheltered veterans and those in need. “These organizations demonstrate the extraordinary impact that compassion and collaboration can have in our communities, and we’re proud to help them continue making a difference where it’s needed most,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. 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