Monthly, the Make It Better Foundation selects an organization from a pool of applicants that will be awarded a cash grant — in a sum of $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000. The selected organization must first meet criteria, chief among them being collaborative fundraising efforts and awareness promotion. In summary, the MIBF seeks to shine a spotlight on and financially uplift committed organizers who go beyond the bounds of stewardship by placing collaboration and storytelling at the crux of their mission.
One of March’s recipients of the MIBF cash grant is the Blue Heron Foundation — a California-based nonprofit. Since its establishment in 2002, the Blue Heron Foundation has sought to award scholarships and mentorship programs to Romanian and Moldovan orphaned or abandoned youth. However, since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, BHF has shifted their mission to assist refugees as well.
Moreover, the organization uses its voice within the community to share the real-life experiences of those subjected to the tragedy in Ukraine. With reporters on the front lines, BHF committed to being a storyteller for those who could not. Standing alongside them are sponsors and supporters such as: Anastasia Soare of Anastasia Beverly Hills; Neil Leifer — a celebrated US sports photographer; Jackie Caster, Founder of Everychild Foundation; Neal Halfon, Director of UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities; Camelia Davtyan, MD, Director of Women’s Health, UCLA Comprehensive Health Program; among others.
Going forward, the foundation plans to use additional funds and donations to “purchase medicine and medical supplies from Romania … based on lists received from three Ukrainian hospitals; the items will then be taken to the border … where it will then be picked up by Ukrainian volunteers.” Given the crisis their foundation is actively attending to, a spokesperson suggests that a cash grant will have immediate effects on their mission.
More information about the Blue Heron Foundation can be found on their Facebook page or website.
