The Brown House Experience received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. The Brown House Experience, based in Chicago, IL, is committed to fostering the positive development of youth through hands-on experiences in the arts, mental and physical wellness, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship. By providing enriching opportunities, the organization empowers young individuals to achieve academic success, social growth, and emotional well-being. Since its founding, The Brown House Experience has created programs that support holistic development and equip students with the skills necessary for lifelong success. Operating as a nonprofit, The Brown House Experience relies on community support, local business partnerships, and dedicated volunteers to provide high-quality educational programs at no cost to participants. Through initiatives such as the Brilliant Brave Beauties & Brilliant Brave Beaus (B.B.B) program and the STEAM & Trades Academy, the organization offers youth between the ages of 8-25 exposure to critical skill-building opportunities tailored to their interests and needs. "We're doing great work in the classroom, but it's not enough—we need to do more. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and to show that success isn't limited to just one path," explains Tia S. Brown, Co-Founder and Executive Producer. The B.B.B program provides mentorship in STEM, trades, entrepreneurship, art, and mental health, helping students develop perseverance, communication, and self-regulation. To further expand career pathways, the STEAM & Trades Academy offers hands-on training in robotics, technology, horticulture, science, trades, arts, engineering, and entrepreneurship. A key initiative within this program is Trade Day, an annual event introducing teens and adults to various trades through interactive sessions with local businesses and trade professionals. Trade Day serves as a gateway to more in-depth training programs, which offer four-to-six-week sessions designed to build foundational and advanced skills in specialized trades. “We are proud to support The Brown House Experience as they empower youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive both personally and professionally,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. By creating access to practical learning experiences and professional mentorship, The Brown House Experience continues to inspire and equip young people with the tools needed to thrive in education, careers, and life. Through its commitment to inclusivity and hands-on learning, the organization remains a vital resource for youth seeking meaningful growth and development opportunities. This story can be found on Business Wire

Inellas Restoration Center received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Inellas Restoration Center (IRC) , based in River Forest, IL, is dedicated to empowering women and children who have survived domestic violence by providing safety, healing, and long-term support. Through specialized programs and advocacy, the nonprofit works to break the cycle of abuse and help survivors rebuild their lives with stability and independence. IRC Founder and Executive Director Remona Sanders shares, “This organization was created to fill a critical gap in support for those impacted by domestic violence. Too often, individuals facing these challenges struggle to find the resources they need. Our mission is to ensure that help is accessible, compassionate, and empowering for anyone affected.” With a survivor-centered approach, IRC offers comprehensive services to address the urgent and long-term needs of those impacted by domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention program provides crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling, and support groups to help survivors regain control and achieve self-sufficiency. Recognizing the importance of education and early prevention, the Teen Healthy Relationship Program teaches young people about consent, conflict resolution, and the foundations of healthy relationships. Additionally, the Partner Abuse Intervention Program works with individuals who have perpetrated domestic violence, fostering accountability and behavioral change. To further support survivors on their path to independence, IRC is launching the Transitional Housing Program, which will provide safe, stable housing along with financial literacy training, legal advocacy, tutoring, and case management. Survivors who do not require emergency shelter will still have access to specialized domestic violence services, including housing referrals, trauma-informed counseling, and community resources. By addressing the immediate and long-term needs of survivors, IRC continues to provide a pathway to safety, empowerment, and lasting change. “We are honored to support Inellas Restoration Center as they provide life-changing resources and compassionate care to survivors of domestic violence,” 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 Meher Khan 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). Meher Khan received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her sophomore year at the University of California – Davis to pursue a degree in neurobiology and physiology. Since receiving the scholarship, Khan has worked in the UC Davis Comparative Ophthalmology and Vision Science Laboratory and spent a summer at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland. “Meher is a promising future ophthalmologist, and I’m glad we can support her as she prepares for that career," 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 Khan’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping them achieve their full potential. Click here for more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship and eligibility criteria.

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Michelle Vong after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2020 . 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). Michelle Vong received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her freshman year at Brown University to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Since receiving the scholarship, Vong has had a project featured in Physics Today and is now working as a Software Engineer at CapitalOne. “We are excited to see what Michelle accomplishes at CapitalOne and glad to have been part of her journey,” 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 Vong’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping them achieve their full potential. Click here for more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship and eligibility criteria. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

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