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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. Volunteers partnered with American Legion Post 75 to assist with its annual Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) benefit dinner. The event brought together approximately 100 veterans and their families and raised funds to help provide services and resources to local Vietnam veterans, including meals, holiday activities, and assistance connecting with resources such as healthcare, government claims, and education. Volunteers helped prepare for and run the event by setting up catering, decorations, tables, chairs, and raffle items, assisting bar staff, and cleaning up afterward. “It was rewarding to see veterans, their families, and members of the community come together for such an important cause,” said David Cannon, a volunteer with the Foundation. “By helping with both the event and its expenses, we were able to contribute in a way that allowed more of the funds raised to go toward local veterans and the resources they rely on.” This year’s benefit was one of the VVA chapter’s most successful fundraisers in the past five years, generating more than $1,000 through raffle ticket sales and donations alone. Funding helped cover food and beverage expenses, entertainment, and décor, reducing the overall cost of the event and allowing more of the proceeds to remain available for the chapter’s work with local veterans, including gifts and meals during the holiday season. The initiative will continue with improvements to the American Legion Post 75 lobby, helping maintain the Legion Hall as a welcoming and functional gathering place for its approximately 150 members and the broader community. Volunteers will assist with updates such as replacing lighting fixtures, removing outdated wallpaper and railings, painting, installing new trim, and addressing damaged baseboard heating. These ongoing improvements will help ensure the Legion Hall remains a welcoming community space for veterans, student groups, local clubs, educators, and other community members. To learn more about American Legion Post 75 and its work in the community, please visit American Legion Post 75. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Mass Oyster Project collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers joined the Mass Oyster Project at Newburyport Harbor, Massachusetts, to support the organization's efforts to restore and strengthen local oyster populations. The project focused on sorting approximately 38,000 baby oysters, known as spat, in the organization's upweller tank so they could be grouped according to size before being planted in Ipswich Harbor later in the season. Through the experience, volunteers also learned about the critical role oysters play in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, including their ability to filter significant amounts of water each day. Volunteers worked together for approximately three hours to sort oysters by size, helping prepare them for the next stage of their development. “It was incredibly rewarding to spend the day on the harbor supporting an organization that is so passionate about environmental stewardship,” said Hugh Kennedy, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. “The opportunity to contribute to a project that will benefit local waterways for years to come made the experience especially meaningful.” The volunteer effort saved the Mass Oyster Project many hours of labor and helped advance its oyster restoration initiatives. Organization leaders expressed their gratitude for the assistance. Funding associated with the initiative will help the Mass Oyster Project continue its work to increase Massachusetts oyster populations and address environmental challenges affecting coastal ecosystems. To learn more about the Mass Oyster Project and its mission, please visit Mass Oyster Project. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Be The Miracle received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Be The Miracle works to interrupt the cycle of violence in Chicago by developing young people as leaders who can help strengthen and rebuild their communities. Grounded in the belief that youth should have the resources and encouragement needed to grow up safe, healthy, and prepared to pursue their goals, the organization combines education, mentoring, career preparation, practical skill-building, and community involvement. Its programs combine leadership development, academic support, mentoring, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, food-based learning, and STEAM education to help young people build confidence, practical skills, and pathways to future opportunities. Together, these initiatives help participants build knowledge, confidence, relationships, and practical experience that they can carry into school, work, and community life. Be The Miracle's emphasis on teamwork, equality, inclusiveness, empathy, empowerment, compassion, collaboration, and education reflects its broader vision of a more unified Chicago where residents can live free from violence. “Too many young people in Chicago are growing up surrounded by violence, disconnection, and limited access to resources. We believe they deserve the chance to see beyond their circumstances and recognize what is possible for their futures,” said Kristen Perteet, co-founder of Be The Miracle. In 2025, Be The Miracle celebrated ten years of service to Chicago youth. During that time, the organization has built community partnerships and expanded opportunities designed to help young people grow as students, future professionals, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood leaders. “Be The Miracle is investing in young people as the leaders who will shape the future of their neighborhoods. Their focus on mentorship, education, and opportunity creates lasting change for individuals and communities alike, and we're proud to support their mission,” 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 recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the September 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  Be The Miracle (Chicago, IL) empowers young people to become leaders in their communities and break the cycle of violence. Through mentorship and opportunities for personal and professional growth, the organization helps youth build confidence, purpose, and the skills to shape a stronger future for themselves and their communities. Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) (Chicago, IL) connects Chicago's STEMM sector with the public, serving as a trusted provider of science and technology education for all ages and communities. Since its 2007 founding, C2ST has hosted more than 430 programs, featuring nearly 900 experts, in partnership with almost 300 organizations. The programs include TED-style talks, Science Speakeasies, and neighborhood-based STEAM programming. Partnership for Change and Hope (Chicago, IL) is a community development corporation that strengthens families and communities by connecting residents to practical resources across four focus areas: food access and wellness, workforce readiness and career pathways, education and life skills, and youth and family development. 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 invited two 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): One World Strong Foundation (Newburyport, MA) focuses on bringing together and supporting a global community of individuals impacted by terrorism, hate crimes, and other traumatic experiences, offering a safe space for connection, shared stories, and mutual support throughout the healing process. A grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation helped One World Strong advance its mission of healing through connection by supporting violence prevention, community-building, survivor outreach, and global engagement. The funding also strengthened its capacity to create spaces where survivors, practitioners, and communities can find support, belonging, and resilience. Top Floor Learning (Palmer, MA) provides free, one-on-one adult education and literacy tutoring, with trained volunteer tutors working with adult learners on reading, writing, math, GED/HiSET preparation, English language and citizenship instruction, and computer skills. A grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation helped Top Floor Learning expand outreach and raise awareness of its programs among potential students in the community. The funding supported ongoing efforts to connect with students and families as the organization continues to rebuild community engagement following the COVID-19 pandemic. "These organizations show what impact can look like in very different forms — from creating safe spaces for healing and connection to opening doors through education and literacy. We're proud to continue supporting their work and helping them extend their reach and impact in the communities they serve," said co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation, Matt Aven. 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 Yahoo! Finance

Living Works Chicago collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.  Volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with LivingWorks Chicago in Morton Grove to assist with the organization’s annual BikeWorks event, its primary fundraising initiative. LivingWorks Chicago is dedicated to empowering students through academic support, physical activity, and extracurricular engagement, and the event plays an important role in sustaining these programs. Volunteers contributed to the success of the event by assisting with set-up and cleanup efforts, as well as preparing and cooking food for participants. “It was great to see people of all ages come together for the event,” said Steve Anderson, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation. “Watching riders—from young children to older participants—take on the course and enjoy the day made the experience especially meaningful.” The BikeWorks event has raised approximately $35,000 toward its $45,000 goal, making it a critical source of funding for the organization. Proceeds will be used to provide new equipment and supplies for students and tutors, with the majority of funds supporting program needs. To learn more about LivingWorks Chicago and its mission, please visit: LivingWorks Chicago Website 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. Volunteers gathered to assemble 60 early learning and nutrition kits for families with children under five years old. The dual-purpose kits combined shelf-stable food items with early learning activities and were prepared for Family First Center of Lake County, which provides early learning programs within the PADS shelter at a hotel in Mundelein, Illinois. Volunteers worked together to organize and package supplies in preparation for the event. "I'm always amazed by the way our team members come together throughout the year to make these projects a success," said Sonia Munoz, a volunteer with the SBBRG Foundation. "It is truly inspiring to see everyone's willingness to pitch in, help one another, and make a meaningful difference in our community." The completed kits will provide children and families with engaging educational activities along with nutritious, shelf-stable food to support both learning and well-being. Program funding will also assist Women United of Lake County's HUGS program, which brings members together to provide hands-on help for local schools, projects, and community initiatives, including the Early Learning Club and its young learners. To learn more about Women United of Lake County and its work in the community, please visit Women United of Lake County. This story can be found on PR Newswire

Experiences That Matter Foundation received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Experiences That Matter Foundation, based in Chicago, Illinois, works to expand access to essential resources for communities that have historically been underserved. Guided by a commitment to equity and opportunity, the nonprofit helps close ongoing gaps in care for children and families who need support most. Its services are designed to be accessible, respectful, and grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through its flagship initiative, the 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign, the foundation provides uninsured and underinsured children with free, same-day eye exams and prescription glasses. These services are delivered through Chicago's first pediatric mobile vision clinic, bringing care directly to neighborhoods where it is needed most. By eliminating the cost, complexity, and follow-through often associated with vision care, the program removes barriers that can prevent children from receiving treatment. The foundation addresses a gap that frequently goes unresolved in the healthcare system. Although many children receive vision referrals through their schools, those referrals often go unfulfilled due to financial, logistical, or other barriers. The 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign provides a seamless, personalized experience, ensuring each child receives everything they need, from a comprehensive eye exam to a finished pair of prescription glasses, in one visit. "There is a significant disparity in access to quality vision care among youth in low-income communities," said Dinai Yelverton, Founder and CEO of Experiences That Matter Foundation. "We focus on the moment when a child gets a referral from school and, for whatever reason, it does not get followed up on. Our goal is to reduce those gaps and provide everything on site for the children who need it." Serving children throughout Chicago's underserved neighborhoods, the nonprofit combines its mobile clinic model with strong community partnerships to help young people see clearly, learn with confidence, and pursue opportunities without vision standing in their way. "Experiences That Matter Foundation is doing important work to connect a child's vision referral with real, lasting care," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. "We are proud to support their efforts to build community through compassion, generosity, and the lasting difference that clear vision can make." This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Illinois-area charities as the July 2026 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Experiences That Matter (Chicago, IL) expands access to essential resources for people and families who face barriers to care through innovative, community-based programs. Its flagship initiative, the 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign, provides children without health insurance with free, same-day eye exams and prescription glasses through Chicago's first pediatric mobile vision clinic. Joy of Memorable Creations (Schaumburg, IL) works to foster stronger, healthier communities through outreach programs that promote education, wellness, and support related to domestic violence, suicide prevention, cancer, financial literacy, and other community needs. Kings House of Vision and Faith Outreach (Park Forest, IL) empowers individuals and families by providing essential resources, including free clothing and accessories, while connecting community members with supportive programs that promote personal growth and long-term stability. 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 named Christopher Osaro 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). Christopher Osaro, a sophomore, studies pre-professional studies at the University of Notre Dame. He has completed an internship at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and job shadows in Medical Imaging and Sports Medicine departments, which allowed him to more fully explore careers in medicine. "Christopher’s drive to explore and understand the many facets of healthcare is incredibly impressive, and I really admire his commitment to learning. I look forward to seeing where he goes with his career," 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.com. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire