The Bloc has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. The Bloc combines the sport of boxing with academic support and mentorship. “The goal is to create a sanctuary for youth to know that they belong, that they’re accepted, and pushed to be the best version of themselves,” said Jamyle Cannon, The Bloc’s Executive Director. Each year, The Bloc supports 120 members with a 90% reenrollment rate. Since 2016, all of their alumni have graduated from high school and were accepted into college. Donations to The Bloc enable the program to expand its programs to other schools and communities. “This grant will help impact the after-school landscape of Chicago by providing high-quality mentoring and tutoring services to the youth who will benefit the most,” continues Cannon. “The Bloc is so much more than a boxing club,” said Matt Aven, SBBRG’s COO. “It is transforming lives with innovative and multifaceted programs.” For more information about The Bloc, visit theblocchicago.org. To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations each month. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire.

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What are the Community Resilience Estimates? The Census Bureau created the Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) in the summer of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The CRE estimates the extent to which counties are at risk of disease and disaster by combining data from existing datasets across the United States (i.e., American Community Survey microdata and Population Estimates Program). Each household falls into one of three groups: low risk (0 risk factors), medium risk (1-2 risk factors), and high risk (3 or more risk factors). The Census Bureau defines risk factors that decrease resilience within a household as: an income-to-poverty ratio of less than 130% one or fewer individuals between 18-64 years old living in the house greater than 0.75 persons per room of the home a communication barrier (i.e., no one completed high school and/or no one speaks English fluently) residents 65 years or older no one under 65 years of age is employed a disability no health insurance no access to a vehicle no internet access The Census Bureau created a data visualization application to explore the percentages and counts of at-risk groups by county within states. These data can also be used to compare between states. For example, comparing two states prone to natural disasters, such as Florida and California, provides valuable information. In Florida, 30% of the households have 3 or more risk factors, 47% have 1-2 risk factors, and 22% have 0 risk factors. In Sumter and Glades counties, the plurality of households (>45%) have more than 3 risk factors making these the most vulnerable counties in Florida. Whereas in California, 27% of the households have 3 or more risk factors, 58% have 1-2 risk factors, and 15% have 0 risk factors. Even though the proportion of households with increased risk factors was greater in California compared to Florida, all the California counties were more resilient. How are these Data Used? Disasters and disease outbreaks happen and will continue to happen anywhere; therefore, measuring the resilience of areas is essential for reducing the devastation caused by these events. Federal and local government agencies, disaster relief foundations, and businesses use this dataset to identify areas most vulnerable to disaster. For example, the Census Bureau helps the Federal Emergency Management Agency by estimating vulnerable communities before hurricanes, flooding, tornados, etc. cause destruction. Because these data come from multiple sources, the Bureau estimates the impact of inequity on a community’s resilience, which helps explain why disasters have a more significant negative impact on minority communities. These data also provide essential information for health agencies to prepare for outbreaks and pandemics like COVID-19. These estimates are relatively new and therefore, primarily used for emergency preparedness. However, as the methods and data collection improve, these estimates could drive economic and legislative change to increase community resilience. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/community-resilience-estimates.html

The SBB Research Group Foundation has named Bryanna Godfrey as its latest STEM scholarship recipient. This $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning, primarily through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Bryanna is a senior studying Human Biology at Stanford University. Her dedication to change the lives of those disproportionately affected by cancer began in 2018, when her mother was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. In the summer of 2020, Bryanna participated in a research fellowship through the Stanford Bio-X institute. During this time, she conducted research and experiments critical to developing new immunotherapies against triple-negative breast cancer. "Bryanna's research is especially inspiring because it is rooted in her deeply moving personal story," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the Foundation. "We are proud to recognize Bryanna's efforts to support individuals like her mother with STEM-fueled innovation." About the SBB Research Group Foundation The SBB Research Group Foundation was established to further the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm. The Foundation sponsors the SBBRG STEM Scholarship, which supports students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In addition to its scholarship program, the Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What is the Annual Survey of State Government Finances? The survey provides detailed information on the finances of state governments and has been collected annually since 1951. Each year the Census Bureau collects detailed, standardized data from each state. The Census Bureau merges the data to create tables that outline different revenue sources, expenditures, indebtedness, and assets. However, the Bureau suggests using caution when making conclusions from direct comparisons of states’ financial data since the survey does not consider local governments and is designed for statistical analysis, not an accounting statement. Below is a sample of survey data from 2019 and 2022: Across the 50 states, the average total revenue increased by 5.46%. 1st: Wisconsin (71.36% increase) 50th: New Mexico (5.83% decrease) Functions that contributed to the total revenue increase included: Intergovernmental revenue: 19.56% Insurance trust revenue: 7.89% Sales tax: 1.41% Revenue from non-sales taxes decreased by 2.49%. Corporate income tax: -12.85% Individual income tax: -5.59% Expenditures also increased by 7.61%. Insurance Payments to Beneficiaries: 28.46% Public Health: 11.41% Hospitals: 7.56% Education: 6.45% Corrections: 6.27% How is the Data Used? The U.S. Congress, federal agencies, state and local governments, and educational and research organizations use these data to conduct policy research and understand general income accounts in states. For example, agencies and organizations use these data to examine which expenditure and revenue sources received the most funding and the change over time. Policymakers use this information to propose alternative spending or policy initiatives. The Census Bureau annually publishes a detailed overview of state budgets. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/state/about.html

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What is the Building Permits Survey (BPS)? The Building Permits Survey provides national, state, and local statistics on new residential construction. Twenty thousand permit-issuing locations provide survey information each year; 8,400 sites are surveyed monthly and used to report monthly data for all locations. The report tracks the number of permits by type of structure — single-family homes, two-unit buildings, three- and four-unit buildings, and five-or-more unit buildings — and the total value of construction. The Census Bureau created an interactive application to visualize the data. This application can analyze data across states, counties, and municipalities from 1990 to 2022. For example, a user can display monthly data before the pandemic to 2022 of the states that had the highest number of permits, in this case, California, New York, Texas, and Florida. The data show a significant decline in California and New York permits in March 2020 compared to Texas and Florida. Texas and Florida have increased permits for new residential construction since the pandemic, whereas New York and California have stayed relatively constant. Additionally, the Building Permits Survey allows for within-state analysis, which shows how new construction has changed in specific areas over the last 32 years. For example, Illinois data indicate that Naperville saw a dramatic increase in permits during the 1990s and a sharp decline in the early 2000s before rising after 2009 and leveling off thereafter. As of 2020, Naperville is one of the top places for new construction in Illinois, behind Chicago and Champaign. How is the Data Used? The Building Permits Survey data have multiple uses. Government agencies monitor areas of growth and decline, which may lead to policy changes to reallocate funds for road and sewer improvement as an indicator of population growth. Financial institutions gauge areas with high demand to price mortgages or allocate banking resources. Private companies conduct market planning, investment analysis, and location and demand planning for real estate development. Construction companies determine where to send material and personnel to high-demand areas or obtain contracting licenses in new locations. Retailers may consider building new stores or increasing marketing in certain areas. The Federal Reserve analyzes economic conditions in different regions as a leading indicator of the nation’s economic vitality and growth. Source: https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/index.html

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What is the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey? The survey provides detailed information on nonfarm enterprises’ capital investment in domestic structures and equipment. Data are published for 132 industries and account for new structures and equipment and other new depreciable assets. ACES samples 50,000 companies with one or more employees, with 20,000 of the companies selected with certainty. Larger companies are chosen from the US Census Business Register each year, with all companies with at least 500 paid employees included in the survey. Smaller companies are stratified by industry and payroll size and then selected randomly by strata. The 2019 survey indicated that “US nonfarm employer businesses invested $1,807.8 billion in new and used structures and equipment, increasing $108.7 billion (6.4 percent) from the revised 2018 level.” Sixty percent was invested in equipment and 40 percent in new and used structures. Ten industries accounted for 42 percent of the total spending in 2019: How are These Data Used? ACES is the only source for comprehensive estimates of annual US capital expenditures and is used to calculate current economic indicators of business investments and the quarterly gross domestic product calculations. Industry analysts, private companies, educators, and students use the data for market analysis, economic forecasting, identifying business opportunities, and developing strategic plans. In addition, analysts conduct impact evaluations on past and current economic performance, produce economic forecasts, and use the information to define tax policy as well as domestic and international trade policy. Several government agencies use ACES data to monitor and forecast capital expenditures. For example, the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Economic Analysis refine valuation estimates of investment in structures and equipment for monetary and fiscal policy forecasts. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the data to improve estimates of capital stock, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services use the data to monitor and evaluate investments in the healthcare industry. Finally, the Treasury Department uses the data to improve the calculation of depreciation of industrial factories and equipment. The ACES data are critical to the evaluation of productivity growth, assessment of changes in industrial capacity, the measurement of overall economic performance, and the ability of U.S. businesses to compete with foreign companies. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/aces.html

Northbrook-based Heartland Animal Shelter is the latest recipient of a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Heartland Animal Shelter is a center for the care and adoption of lost, stray, and abandoned animals. Through a comprehensive program of education, community outreach, and collaboration, Heartland promotes responsible pet ownership throughout the Chicago area. Since its founding in 2002, Heartland has saved thousands of cats and dogs and placed them in loving households. The organization advocates neutering and spaying cats and dogs to reduce animal overpopulation and to hopefully eliminate the need for euthanasia. Heartland is a non-profit, no-kill shelter. SBB Research Group supports many organizations through grants, as well as volunteering and other partnerships. Laura Heisinger, SBB Research Group Operations Assistant, has been a longtime volunteer and an active member of the Heartland Young Professionals board: "I am proud to support the passionate and hardworking staff, and I am thrilled this grant will give Heartland the opportunity to help even more incredible animals get the care they need and find loving homes." Matt Aven, SBB Research Group's COO, believes that it is important to remember that animals have been affected by the pandemic too. "Mandatory building closures and other restrictions have created nearly impossible circumstances for animal shelters in the Chicago area," Aven explained. "COVID-19 prevented Heartland from using on-site volunteers and they have completely restructured their programs." Stephanie Muller-Simpson, Heartland's Director of Mission Advancement, said, "We cannot thank SBB Research Group enough for this generous grant award which is going to make it possible for us to not only rescue and find homes for more animals who might not have otherwise had a chance, but to provide increased support to our community and pet owners during these challenging times." Muller-Simpson highlighted a diverse array of critical services they provide: "Whether we are treating puppies with parvovirus, bottle-feeding orphaned kittens or rehabilitating animals who were neglected, our mission at Heartland Animal Shelter is to make sure to give as many cats and dogs as we can the opportunity to survive, thrive and find forever homes. For more information about Heartland Animal Shelter or to adopt a dog or cat, please visit http://www.heartlandanimalshelter.org. To apply for a grant from SBB Research Group, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is encouraged to apply and grants are awarded to different organizations every month. This story first appeared on Benzinga

SBB Research Group is recognizing three Chicago-area charities as the September 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): Center of Concern (Des Plaines) offers vital resources for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families searching for housing. Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (Lake Forest) operates inclusive recreation and fitness programs to support the development and well-being of individuals with physical or visual disabilities. Haven Youth & Family Services (Wilmette) provides prevention, intervention, and counseling services for children and families in the local community. These finalists will give brief presentations via videoconference to the investment firm's staff, who will ask questions to learn more about each of these important causes. The employees will then vote to allocate the company's awards. Each finalist will receive at least a $1,000 donation. Last month, GiveNKind received a $5,000 grant to connect organizations with quality goods from individuals and businesses, providing nonprofits resources to focus on critical operations and programs. The funds will significantly increase the number of donated products GiveNKind will provide to their nonprofit partners this holiday season. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on Yahoo! Finance.

The Firehouse Community Arts Center has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. “Youth violence is an issue that affects people from all walks of life” The Firehouse Community Arts Center engages young people through events and programs that focus on violence prevention in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. The organization offers activities across several disciplines, including dance, music, film, and culinary arts. For over 30 years, Firehouse CEO and Founder Pastor Phil Jackson has served at-risk youth and young adults to introduce them to different opportunities and resources. The Firehouse staff cultivates meaningful relationships with individuals through an intensive workforce development program, where young men receive mentoring and job training to prepare them for long-term success. The Firehouse Community Arts Center will use the grant from SBBRG to offer members unique experiences in other neighborhoods across the country. Pastor Jackson noted that "this exposure can show these young men that there is another world where violence is not a regular way of life." The grant will also help expand the workforce development program, allowing The Firehouse to provide individuals with paid job opportunities. "SBBRG's support allows another layer to be removed so that youth can see themselves at their full potential," continued Pastor Jackson. “Youth violence is an issue that affects people from all walks of life,” said Dan Margulies, SBBRG’s Lead Tactician, who recently lost a friend to violence. “SBBRG is proud to support the Firehouse Community Arts Center's mission to work with at-risk youth and support the broader community.” For more information about The Firehouse Community Arts Center, visit https://thefcac.org/about/. To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations every month. This story can be found on Business Wire.

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What is the National Survey of College Graduates? Science and engineering capabilities drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. and form the basis of our competitive advantage. According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. performs the largest share of global research and development (R&D), generates the largest share of R&D-intensive industry output, and accounts for a substantial percentage of science and engineering research articles and citations worldwide. The National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG), sponsored by the National Center for Science and Engineering within the National Science Foundation, is a biennial panel survey that provides data on the nation’s college graduates, focusing on the science and engineering workforce. The NSCG examines the relationship between college degrees and employment in addition to other characteristics of college-educated individuals, including salary, student loan debt, work activities, and demographic information. The survey evaluates approximately 164,000 college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree. How is the Data Used? The survey data provides essential information about the education and career paths of the nation’s college graduates. In addition, this data is used to make informed decisions about using limited research, education, and job training resources: Government policymakers and labor economists use the data to understand the supply and demand for workers in science and technical fields. Employers in education, industry, and the government look at employment opportunities and salaries to evaluate equal opportunity efforts. University administrators and academic researchers make educational policy decisions and changes to technical and scientific curricula. Students use the survey to choose a college major or examine career opportunities. This survey is also included in two congressionally mandated reports exploring trends within the science and engineering workforce: Science and Engineering Indicators and Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, Source: www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nscg.html