Philanthropy Awards

What Are the Philanthropy Awards?

The Philanthropy Awards are the Make It Better Foundation’s keystone program — a national platform designed to identify, elevate, and amplify high-impact nonprofits.

Each year, organizations are recognized across multiple levels based on their impact, innovation, and potential to scale.

What Do Winners Receive?

In 2026, the Foundation honored 43 organizations across four tiers with unrestricted cash grants, professionally produced editorial storytelling, and strategic visibilty designed to reach new donors and supporters. Cash awards ranged from $10,000 to $125,000, with top recipients receiving support valued at more than $250,000.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered for the 2027 Philanthropy Awards, nonprofits must:

Submit at least one You Said It article that is accepted for publication by Better Magazine by July 15, 2026; and/or
Be a previous Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award recipient

How Are Winners Selected?

Winners and Runners-Up are selected by an Academy of Judges that includes philanthropy experts, nonprofit leaders, sponsors, Make It Better Foundation board members, past recipients, and partners.

Judging Criteria: A Venture Philanthropy Lens

Judges evaluate nonprofits based on five key areas:

Effectiveness: Number of people served, outcomes achieved, long-term impact, and efforts to break cycles of dependency
Efficiency: Collaboration and cost-effectiveness
Leadership: Board engagement, diversity, mission alignment, and strategic risk-taking
Scalability: Ability to grow programs and funding independent of government support, and potential to replicate regionally
Excellence: Commitment to integrity, transparency, and the highest service standards

Expanding the Role of Storytelling

As the Philanthropy Awards continue to evolve, storytelling plays an increasingly important role in how impact is evaluated. In addition to the core criteria, judges will consider how effectively organizations translate their work into compelling, nationally relevant, evergreen stories that engage the broadest possible audience. Special attention will be given to the strength of narrative, quality of visuals, and amplification across digital channels, including social media, website, and email newsletter.

For past award recipients re-applying, this may include reviewing the reach and impact of previous content collaborations, while for new applicants, the “You Said It” submission serves as a key indicator, evaluating how clearly the story is told, how effectively visuals are used, and how well the piece is designed to resonate nationally — beyond a single community. The goal is to identify organizations whose impact extends not only through their work, but through storytelling that inspires awareness, connection, and action.

Why Do the Philanthropy Awards Matter?

The Philanthropy Awards are designed not just to recognize strong organizations, but to help them grow. Winning organizations gain:

National visibility
New donors and sponsors
Volunteer support
Stronger long-term momentum

The goal is simple: make it easier for generous people to find and support organizations that are solving real problems in meaningful ways.

Want Your Nonprofit To Be Considered?

Contribute a You Said It article and become part of the Make It Better Foundation’s funding and storytelling network. Successful submissions will be eligible for an initial $1,000 grant and will be invited to apply for a 2027 Philanthropy Award.

Want To Get Involved?

Interested in supporting the awards as a Sponsor, Judge, or Media Partner? Please contact [email protected], Attn: Mindy Fauntleroy, President, or Susan B. Noyes, Founder.

2026 Philanthropy Award Winners

Special Thanks to Award Sponsors and Academy of Judges

The Make It Better Foundation gratefully thanks following award sponsors and Academy of Judges for their generosity and leadership in making the 2026 Philanthropy Awards possible.

Academy of Judges

Mary Fran Riley, Allies for Community Business
Elizabeth Dunn, Mercy Housing Lakefront
Ric Estrada, Metropolitan Family Services
Ellen Winner, Project Zero
Greg Cameron, Joffrey Ballet
Laura Coy, William Blair
Sandy Tsuchida, Make It Better
Mindy Fauntleroy, Make It Better
Michelle Walby, Make It Better
Kathy Roeser, Morgan Stanley
Francia E. Harrington, Burston Astor Advisors
Jeanne Bishop, author and public speaker
Sharon Krone, Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House
Connie Duckworth, civic and philanthropic leader
Brian Provost, Yahoo
Blyth McGarvie, global business leader and investor
Chris Beer, Kenilworth Union Church
Kelsey DeForest, Changent

Meet More Past Winners

We are proud to honor the inspiring, innovative nonprofits who have received this award — and the dedicated teams behind them. Read their stories and more on Better.net

Our Media Partners showcase and celebrate the winners.

Email [email protected] for more information.