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

Fill a Heart 4 Kids has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Fill a Heart 4 Kids provides support, supplies, and a sense of community to homeless and foster children in Illinois. The organization’s mission is to help these children receive the attention and care critical to their wellbeing. “We believe in giving these children positive experiences they otherwise would not have access to so they can have a brighter future,” said founder Ann McAveeney. “We believe in giving these children positive experiences they otherwise would not have access to so they can have a brighter future,” said founder Ann McAveeney. SBBRG’s grant will enable Fill a Heart 4 Kids to provide children in need with essential school supplies for the upcoming academic year. The organization provides school supplies to 1,200 children, including 850 foster and homeless youth. With the help of over 6,000 community volunteers, these items are delivered directly to those in need through the Fill a Heart mobile school supply pantry. McAveeney continued, “This investment will help at-risk youth to feel proud, excited, prepared, and ready to learn on the first day of school.” In addition to school supplies, Fill a Heart 4 Kids provides children with personal tutoring, weekly meals, care packages, and opportunities to attend special events. “Fill a Heart 4 Kids provides children and young adults in need with essentials that are crucial to their development,” said Matt Aven, SBBRG’s COO. For more information about Fill a Heart 4 Kids, visit https://www.fillaheart4kids.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 every month. This story can be found on Globe Newswire.

SBB Research Group is recognizing three Chicago-area charities as the June 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the pandemic (in alphabetical order): Fill a Heart 4 Kids (Lake Forest) provides educational support, necessities, and a sense of community to at-risk, homeless, and foster children. LIFT-Chicago empowers low-income families to break the cycle of poverty by partnering with parents as they work toward financial growth and independence. The Warming House (Wilmette) offers teens a welcoming, supervised, and structured environment for recreational programs and counseling services. 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 monthly grant awards. Each finalist will receive at least a $1,000 donation. Last month, the firm awarded two $5,000 grants: Momma Chef's Soup Kitchen provides Chicago-area families in need with regular access to food in a comfortable setting. VFW Post 5531 provides a range of programs and services to the veterans and the community of Wathena, Kansas. "We were moved by the impact both of these organizations have on the communities they serve," said Matt Aven, SBB Research Group's COO. "We are proud to support them and believe strongly in their missions." Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire.

Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen fights food insecurity in the Chicago community by providing hundreds of families with meals each week in a comfortable and welcoming environment. “Our goal is to help the less fortunate living in Chicago,” said Karen Nochimowski, the founder of Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen. “We feed the hungry with a hot, nutritious, 6-course meal to-go.” Additionally, the organization works toward food justice with Little Free Pantry, a free-standing kiosk of non-perishable food open 24-hours a day to anyone in need, and provides weekly meals to homeless shelters in Chicago. The soup kitchen is staffed entirely by volunteers from the community. Meals are served by volunteers as young as eight years old to offer an enlightening and dignifying experience for all involved. “We are humbled and inspired by Karen’s efforts to make such a profound difference in our community.” - Matt Aven, SBBRG COO Dedicated volunteer and local high school student Olivia Shachtman added that “Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen has been a cause very close to my heart, and I am very grateful that they received this grant as it will help to provide such thoughtful and high-quality meals to so many members of our community.” SBBRG’s grant will enable the soup kitchen to provide hundreds of meals to Chicagoans in need. “The fight to end hunger is critical,” said Matt Aven, SBBRG’s COO. “We are humbled and inspired by Karen’s efforts to make such a profound difference in our community.” For more information about Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen, visit https://mommachef.com/soup-kitchen/ 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 Globe Newswire.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5531 has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. “With a county population of around 1,000 people, support and activities are limited. Our organization exists to serve our veterans and the community” Since 1970, VFW Post 5531 provides a range of programs and services to the veterans and the community of Wathena, Kansas. The organization fosters a supportive environment and offers financial and healthcare assistance to local veterans in need. In addition to their generous support to veterans, VFW Post 5531 hosts community food drives, provides scholarships to the local schools, donates fruit baskets to nursing homes, and regularly supports the local Scouts program. “With a county population of around 1,000 people, support and activities are limited. Our organization exists to serve our veterans and the community,” said Darrell Lamme, Quartermaster, VFW Post 5531. SBB Research Group’s contribution will help support the much-needed building maintenance and operations of VFW Post 5531. “We recognize the importance of the service these veterans have provided to our country and are honored to support them and the community,” said Matt Aven, COO of SBB Research Group. For more information, or to donate to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5531, please visit https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/vfw-5531-wathena-renovation 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 BusinessWire.

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 Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR)? The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR) provides information on participation and spending related to fishing, hunting, and other wildlife-related activities. The survey is funded by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau under an interagency agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior). The FHWAR is a national survey and provides state results for Maine, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Detailed information includes the number of participants, where and how often they participate, the type of wildlife encountered, and the amount of money spent on wildlife-related recreation. How is the Data Used? In the 2016 survey, 104 million residents sixteen years and older participated in wildlife-related activities: 35.8 million were anglers, 11.5 million were hunters, and 86 million were wildlife watchers (closely observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife). Hunters and anglers each spent $12 billion on equipment, and wildlife watchers spent $55 billion. This spending creates thousands of jobs, supports numerous local communities, and provides vital funding for conservation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service creates reports, brochures, news releases and other communications about current use and trend information from the survey results. In addition, other organizations within the federal government, such as land and water development agencies, use the data on participation rates, animal species sought, and types of resources used to formulate policies and programs related to recreational fish and wildlife uses. Federal regulatory, permitting, and environmental agencies rely on the economic data to estimate the damage to fish and wildlife resources and determine the costs and benefits of projects affecting natural resources. State fish and wildlife agencies use the survey data for program planning, development, management, and evaluation. Other non-federal conservation organizations, researchers, and trade and manufacturing associations rely on the FHWAR data for research and planning. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/fhwar.html