North Side Housing and Supportive Services received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. North Side Housing and Supportive Services (NSHSS) , is redefining how communities support individuals experiencing homelessness. Focused on adults navigating housing instability, NSHSS is building a future where every person has access to safe shelter, supportive services, and a path to permanent housing. Through trauma-informed programs that span emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and health services, NSHSS connects individuals to the resources they need to heal and rebuild. Their work is guided by a commitment to ending homelessness, not just by providing shelter, but by addressing the root causes and barriers that perpetuate it. At the heart of NSHSS’s mission is a belief in dignity and transformation. Many of the individuals they serve face complex challenges, from mental health issues to systemic inequities. NSHSS steps in with compassionate, comprehensive solutions, whether through their Rogers Park shelter, daytime support center, or housing navigation services. “Housing is a human right,” says Duncan Ward, Executive Director. “Our work is about more than shelter. It’s about restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and creating pathways to long-term stability. We walk alongside our clients every step of the way.” NSHSS’s impact reaches far beyond housing. Clients gain access to health care, employment support, and community connections. Whether through case management, drop-in services, or integrated health programs, NSHSS helps people reclaim their independence and rediscover their potential. By investing in housing and holistic support, NSHSS is shaping a future where every person is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they start. “North Side Housing and Supportive Services is restoring stability and self-worth for people facing homelessness, and we’re happy to help advance their mission to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a safe and supportive home,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

City Motivators received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. City Motivators is transforming how communities empower their youth. Focused on at-risk individuals aged 8 to 18, City Motivators envisions a future where every young person is equipped with the tools to lead, thrive, and make meaningful contributions to their neighborhoods. Through free, community-rooted programs like the Chi Youth Leadership Program, College Essential Care Kit initiative, and outreach services, City Motivators connects youth and families to vital resources. Their work is guided by a mission to eliminate hopelessness and foster resilience in underserved communities through mentorship, education, and collective action. At the core of City Motivators’ approach is a belief in the power of community. Many of the youth it serves face systemic barriers, from poverty and violence to lack of access to necessities. City Motivators meets them where they are: in schools, at block parties, and through hands-on workshops that build life skills and self-esteem. “We believe it takes a village,” says Felicia Walker, Founder and Executive Director. “Our work is about showing up, listening, and creating spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and supported. When we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of our communities.” City Motivators’ impact extends beyond mentorship. Its programs foster leadership, promote wellness, and encourage civic engagement. Whether through financial literacy workshops, creative arts programs, or community events, youth gain confidence and discover their potential to be changemakers. By investing in youth and strengthening community ties, City Motivators is shaping a future where every child grows up in a safe, resource-rich environment, and where hope is not just a word, but a lived reality. “City Motivators is helping young people see what’s possible by surrounding them with support and opportunity. We are grateful to contribute to its efforts to build stronger, more hopeful communities,” 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 is proud to announce the continued success of Tatum Delaney 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). Tatum Delaney received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her first year of graduate studies at Cornell University to pursue a degree in Natural Resources. Since receiving the scholarship, Tatum received a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship from the Office of Naval Research and has presented their research at the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice, France. "Tatum has been recognized for excellence by many organizations, and we are proud that SBB Research Group Foundation is among them. I look forward to seeing Tatum’s future success," 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 Tatum’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

Charles River Conservancy collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.  The Charles River Conservancy continues its mission to enhance and maintain the natural beauty of the Charles River and its surrounding parks. On Friday, September 17, 2025, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation gathered at Riverbend Park to support this mission through hands-on environmental stewardship. The team worked together to remove litter, paint benches, spread wood chips around young trees, and cut back invasive bittersweet vines, helping to preserve the health and accessibility of the park for all who enjoy it. “This was a great opportunity to give back to the community and help protect a space that means so much to so many,” said Emily Dzino, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation. “It was inspiring to see how much can be accomplished when people come together with a shared purpose.” This initiative supports the Charles River Conservancy’s goal of promoting urban river renewal and creating vibrant public spaces that connect people to nature and each other. Visit the Charles River Conservancy's website to learn more about their work. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

American Legion Post 75 collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The American Legion Post 75 in Geneva, Illinois, is a vital space for veterans and community members. On September 7, 2025, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation installed sound baffling and updated the look and safety of the post to enhance the comfort and usability of the facility. These upgrades ensure that Post 75 continues to serve as a welcoming and functional environment for meetings, events, and support services. The sound baffling in the basement improves acoustics for gatherings, while the additional renovations provide a refreshed space for programs and community activities. “This effort was about giving back to those who’ve served and supporting a space that brings people together,” said Dave Cannon, a volunteer who participated in the project. “It was a privilege to contribute alongside others who care deeply about the wellbeing of our veterans and neighbors.” This initiative supports the American Legion Post 75’s goal to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. To learn more about American Legion Post 75 in Geneva, visit www.legion.org . This story can be found on Business Wire

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. On September 25th, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) in Riverwoods, Illinois, to support one of the nonprofit’s weekly programs. CEL provides valuable programs and services for teens, adults, and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), fostering a welcoming environment where members can thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually. During the event, volunteers assisted CEL staff with arts and crafts, played games, and spent quality time socializing with members. These activities are designed to promote creativity, connection, and joy, core elements of CEL’s mission to enrich the lives of individuals with IDD. “The Center for Enriched Living is more than just a place, it’s a family that fosters kindness, inclusion, and unwavering support,” said Ashley Koziol, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation. “The staff and volunteers at CEL truly care about every member, creating an environment where each person is empowered to reach their full potential.” The presence of additional volunteers helped CEL run its program more smoothly and allowed the organization to introduce its mission to new individuals. By engaging with members and supporting staff, volunteers contributed to CEL’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive community. To learn more about The Center for Enriched Living and their mission, please visit: www.experiencecel.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Surge for Water received a donation from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. On September 27, 2025, Surge for Water hosted its annual gala in Chicago, Illinois, bringing together supporters, volunteers, and partners to celebrate many years of transformative work in global water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health. Surge for Water, a women-led nonprofit, works hand-in-hand with local partners to deliver life-changing programs in Uganda, Haiti, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Founded in 2008 by Shilpa Alva, their community-first approach ensures that every initiative from clean water access to hygiene education is rooted in local leadership and long-term impact. For the seventh consecutive year, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation were honored to attend and support the gala. Jordan Robinson, a volunteer with the Foundation, shared, “Helping communities access clean water is some of the most important work happening in the world. Surge recognizes that without first addressing the most fundamental human needs, aspirations for education and economic development are nearly impossible to achieve. Listening to Shilpa recount stories of the work Surge does and the outcomes it creates always leaves me humbled and optimistic about the power we have as individuals to help and care for one another.” The Gala not only celebrated past achievements but also raised awareness and support for future initiatives, including infrastructure development, educational outreach, and menstrual health programs. Through the SBB Research Group Foundation, Jordan Robinson works closely with Surge for Water to identify the most acute and underfunded opportunities to create a lasting impact. To learn more about Surge for Water and how to get involved, visit surgeforwater.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the October 2025 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Bronzeville Neighborhood Farm (Chicago, IL) is a community-driven urban farm in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The organization promotes food justice, environmental stewardship, and community wellness by providing fresh produce, educational programs, and opportunities for residents to engage in sustainable agriculture. City Motivators (Chicago, IL) is dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth and families in Chicago through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Their programs focus on building confidence, fostering positive relationships, and providing resources that help individuals reach their full potential. North Side Housing and Supportive Services (Chicago, IL) provides shelter, housing, and comprehensive support to adults experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Their mission is to empower individuals to achieve stability and independence through case management, mental health services, employment support, and permanent housing solutions. 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

Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL) , a nonprofit based in Elgin, Illinois, is reimagining how communities support their youngest members. Focused on children from birth to age five, EPEL is building a future where every child enters kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through free, community-driven initiatives that span education, family engagement, and public health, EPEL connects families to essential resources for early childhood development. EPEL’s work is guided by a connected community plan, a roadmap for creating a coordinated, high-quality early childhood system across the Greater Elgin Area. By aligning local efforts and fostering collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, and social services, EPEL is helping to close the opportunity gap before children even step into a classroom. At the heart of EPEL’s mission is a belief in collective impact. Many of the families EPEL serves face barriers to early learning support access, from limited transportation to language differences. EPEL steps in with innovative, inclusive solutions that meet families where they are, whether at a local library, pediatric clinic, or community center. “We know children don’t get themselves ready for school—families and communities do,” says Amber Peters, Executive Director. “Our work is about lifting together. We listen, we collaborate, and we fill the gaps as a united front. When families rise, children rise with them.” EPEL’s impact reaches far beyond early education. Families engaged in their programs gain confidence, build stronger relationships, and discover new ways to support their children’s development. Whether through parent workshops, resource navigation, or neighborhood outreach, EPEL helps build a foundation for lifelong success. By investing in early childhood and strengthening community ties, Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning is shaping a future where every child is nurtured, supported, and celebrated from the very beginning. “We are proud to support EPEL as they strengthen families and communities by ensuring every child has the chance to start school ready to succeed,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Women United of Lake County collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.  Women United of Lake County is dedicated to strengthening the community and creating a meaningful sense of belonging for everyone. This includes ensuring children in underserved communities have access to early learning resources and opportunities. On August 5, 2025, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation assembled literacy kits filled with educational materials to help kids learn to read and write. These kits have been distributed to children in the community served by Women United, supporting their mission to promote literacy and school readiness. “The literacy kits will make a meaningful difference for the children Women United serve, helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning” said Sonia Munoz a volunteer for the SBB Research Group Foundation. “The event highlighted the need for these resources and the vital services Women United provides to their community.” This initiative directly supports Women United’s goal of preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. By providing access to age-appropriate books and learning tools, the literacy kits empower families to engage in early literacy activities at home. To learn more about Women United of Lake County, please visit their website . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire