The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Boston-area charities as the January 2025 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Beverly Main Streets (Beverly, MA) fosters a vibrant downtown Beverly, supporting its economic vitality, cultural and historic resources, and quality of life. Over two decades, it has helped transform the area into a thriving hub for arts, businesses, and innovation. The Children’s Piazza (Peabody, MA) is dedicated to promoting healthy brain development in young children while supporting the emotional well-being of their caregivers. Their play-café serves as a welcoming refuge for adults navigating the challenges of caring for young children, ensuring access for everyone. Top Floor Learning (Palmer, MA) provides affordable or free tutoring for adults in Western and Central Massachusetts. For 35 years, it has empowered individuals through personalized Adult Basic Education programs that foster skill development and personal growth tailored to each learner's needs. 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 Business Wire

Violets Kitchen received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Based in Carol Stream, IL, Violets Kitchen serves as a lifeline for veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness. What began as a heartfelt initiative by Vietnam-era veteran Susan Fehling to provide meals out of her car has evolved into a comprehensive mobile emergency resource, offering not only food but also essential supplies to those in need. Initially focused on feeding veterans, Violets Kitchen quickly expanded its mission after Susan realized the broader challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Recognizing the harsh realities of surviving Midwest winters on the streets, the organization acquired an RV, transforming it into a mobile distribution hub. This RV allows Violets Kitchen to deliver nutritious meals, clothing, and survival essentials directly to individuals at local shelters and on the streets, ensuring help reaches those who need it most. “This has become something so much larger than we ever expected it to be in the beginning. Our mission now is to do what we can—we keep moving forward,” says Susan. Her unwavering dedication has turned a simple act of kindness into a vital community resource. A key element of Violets Kitchen’s success is its ability to collaborate with other local organizations. By forming partnerships, they have expanded their reach and resources, addressing a wider range of needs. Beyond providing immediate relief, Violets Kitchen embodies a spirit of compassion and resilience. Susan’s passion for her mission is evident in every meal served, and every life touched. With a focus on restoring dignity and offering hope, the organization continues to make a profound impact, demonstrating the power of community-driven solutions to combat homelessness and hunger. “We are happy to support Violets Kitchen and their commitment to providing compassion and vital resources to individuals experiencing homelessness,” 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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is happy to continue supporting The Andrew Weishar Foundation’s mission to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families with children or young adults with cancer. In December 2024, the Foundation hosted a holiday event to wrap Christmas gifts for five families sponsored by The Andrew Weishar Foundation. The presents were ordered from each family’s wish list, and volunteers at the event wrapped over a hundred gifts. Two representatives from The Andrew Weishar Foundation were present to share the stories of the families and give volunteers a deeper connection to the cause. “The gifts we provided meant the world to these families,” said KC Casper, a SBB Research Group Foundation volunteer who organized the event. “The volunteers truly brought their holiday spirit, and The Andrew Weishar Foundation is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support.” The SBB Research Group Foundation remains committed to supporting organizations that make a tangible impact in the community and looks forward to continuing its partnership with The Andrew Weishar Foundation in the future. Learn more about The Andrew Weishar Foundation and their incredible mission here. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Kofi Frimpong-Manson 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). Kofi Frimpong-Manson, a second-year graduate student, studies pharmaceutical science at Texas Tech University. In addition to his studies, Frimpong-Manson was a consultant for Pharst Care Ghana, as it developed a mobile application to improve access to medicine in Ghana. He has also served as a digital consultant for the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. "Kofi's innovative approach to pharmaceutical medicine is exciting. I'm proud we could offer him support as he completes his studies," 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 PRWeb

SALUTE, INC. collaborated in a volunteer initiative with the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. At the heart of SALUTE, INC.’s mission to support military veterans and their families, a recent volunteer event at the Midwest Veteran’s Closet in North Chicago showcased the power of community collaboration. T.J. McKiernan, a member of SALUTE, INC.’s Associate Board, organized a team from the SBB Research Group Foundation to participate in this impactful project. This strengthened the ongoing partnership between SALUTE, INC. and “The Closet” to better serve veterans and active-duty service members in the Great Lakes Naval Base community. Volunteers, including Laurie Johnson, Stephen Groshko, Magdiel Ponce, and Andrew Rost, dedicated their time to sorting donations and distributing food, clothing, and everyday essentials to military personnel and their families. Over the course of just two and a half hours, they served an impressive 566 individuals, including 169 veterans and their 254 family members, as well as 33 active-duty service members and 110 of their family members. “It was truly amazing to see how thankful the veterans were as we handed out food,” said McKiernan. “It was clear we were making a direct impact, and they greatly appreciated it.” Through the generosity of the SBB Research Group Foundation, SALUTE, INC. is further empowered to provide critical financial assistance to injured veterans and active-duty service members. These funds will support housing costs, utility bills, medical expenses, car repairs, and more, ensuring essential needs are met during difficult times. To learn more about SALUTE, INC. and their impactful programs, visit saluteinc.org . This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Adhvaith Sridhar 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). Adhvaith Sridhar received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a degree in biochemistry. Since receiving the scholarship, Sridhar was named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist and has prepared several papers, oral presentations, and posters for publication and submission. He hopes to pursue a career that allows him to apply STEM principles in patient care. “Adhvaith is just such an incredible student. I’m proud to be part of his 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 Sridhar’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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Alex Ochoa 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). Alex Ochoa received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during his senior year at Ohio State University, pursuing a degree in public health. Since receiving the scholarship, Ochoa received Ohio State’s Outstanding Senior Award. He served as a post-undergraduate fellow at the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship through the Congressional Hunger Center. He is taking two years away from school and plans to apply to medical school in the 2025-2026 school year. “Alex is committed to his community, and I’m proud that SBB Research Group Foundation could commit to him," 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 Ochoa’s success. We look forward to continuing to support outstanding students in STEM and helping him achieve his full potential. Click here for more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship and eligibility criteria. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Vivian Chen 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). Vivian Chen received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her junior year at Northwestern University, pursuing a degree in computer science. Since receiving the scholarship, Chen has completed two internships at Amazon. She plans to pursue a career as a software engineer or in technology more broadly. “Vivian is motivated and has accomplished much in her three years at Northwestern. I hope this scholarship encourages her to continue pursuing her goals," 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 Chen’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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Michelle Lam 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). Michelle Lam received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her first year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Since receiving the scholarship, Lam has been excited to develop new skills in designing, building, problem-solving, and manufacturing alongside relationships with others in her program. In January, she will begin an internship at Design that Matters to design low-cost incubators for use in developing countries. “Michelle has an exciting future ahead of her, and I’m proud SBB Research Group Foundation could support someone dedicated to using their skills to help others," 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 Lam’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

The SBB Research Group Foundation is proud to announce the continued success of Anna Dubey after receiving the STEM Scholarship in 2022 . 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). Anna Dubey received the SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship during her sophomore year at Brown University, pursuing a degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Microbial Biology. Since receiving the scholarship, Dubey has received the Voss Undergraduate Research Fellowship to support her senior honors thesis. This thesis will examine how Galapagos marine invertebrate communities at depth differ from those in shallower water amid climate change. Dubey plans to pursue a PhD in biology. “Anna’s research is fascinating, and I’m excited that we were able to support part of 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 Dubey’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