You Said It — Share Your Passion With the World
Your voice, ideas and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your story and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It”.
“You Said It” submissions are similar to OpEds — written features with compelling visuals which explain an issue, recommend solutions backed by trusted sources, and provide a call to action.
An excellent “You Said It” can earn a nonprofit that you champion a $1000 donation from the Make It Better Foundation and and eligibility for a Grant Content Partnership for greater engagement with our audience too.
View examples submitted by Lincoln Park Zoo and Yale.
Read more about guidelines and how to submit a You Said It
Philanthropy Awards
The Philanthropy Awards, the Make It Better Foundation’s keystone program, honors organizations demonstrating exceptional impact in their communities. This annual competition recognizes and amplifies effective nonprofits driving meaningful change. The Make It Better Foundation’s Academy of Judges — including venture philanthropists, past winners, sponsors, and thought leaders — selects honorees based on excellence, scalability, efficiency, leadership, and overall effectiveness.
Award recipients receive customized award packages, with top-tier awards valued at more than $250,000. Packages include unrestricted funding and content campaigns designed to expand visibility, attract new supporters, and strengthen long-term impact.
The Philanthropy Awards celebrate and empower nonprofits advancing lasting community progress, exemplifying the Make It Better Foundation’s commitment to driving measurable, sustainable change.
Read about our most recent winners and find out how to apply for an award or become a judge or sponsor.
Better Makers — Celebrate Fundraising Successes and Nonprofit Supporters and Champions
Better Makers articles are post-event recaps that spotlight key moments and outcomes from nonprofit fundraising events while celebrating the people and purpose behind them. Each recap highlights:
- A clear call to action inviting readers to support the cause.
- Event essentials such as title, venue, date, and funds raised
- Organizational and event leadership, host committee, emcee, honorees, and sponsors
- High-quality event photography and notable appearances or entertainment
- The mission and measurable impact of the organization, supported by data or examples
See an example and learn more about Better Makers and how to submit one.
Grant Content Partner Storytelling
We understand the power of storytelling that not only informs but also deeply resonates. When your organization is awarded a grant and content partnership, we will collaborate with your key players and champions on content campaigns to reach your desired audiences in the most impactful format possible. Examples of this content include:
- High-Profile Interviews — Interviews with high-profile members, partners, and champions of your cause, with a call to action to support your organization.
- Evergreen Advice Features and Listicles – Story formats proven to engage our audience through helpful, actionable, broadly relevant advice pieces showcasing the expertise of your organization.
- Photo-Driven Features – Your mission and impact in action, showcased through powerful visuals and concise but informative copy.
- How to Help: We provide simple, straightforward ways to take action in response to both immediate, urgent needs, such as natural or man-made disaster responses and ongoing needs such as blood donation and food for the homeless and food insecure.
- Guide to Giving: Annual roundup of top nonprofits to support with end-of-year giving and year round.
- MIB TV/YouTube Channel: Videos that teach, engage and mobilize.
- Pre-event and Better Makers post-event coverage.
Matching Grant Campaigns — Incentivizing Support
Our Matching Grant Program encourages Make It Better Foundation grant recipients to maximize their funding and amplify support. By launching a matching grant campaign with a minimum $10,000 seed contribution, nonprofits can multiply impact and engage donors through a shared call to action.
Key elements include:
- Strategic amplification through Better’s website, social media, and Better Letter e-newsletter
- Cross-promotion through your organization’s own supporter and sponsor networks
- Post-campaign storytelling opportunities to share results and inspire others
Gala Media Partnership
A Gala Media Partnership is a collaboration between your nonprofit and the Make It Better Foundation/Better Magazine as an official media partner for fundraising events and initiatives. These collaborations offer enhanced visibility and storytelling support, connecting nonprofits with our engaged philanthropic audience through curated coverage and cross-platform promotion.
Our team works alongside partners to ensure a cohesive, mission-aligned presence that supports awareness, engagement, and fundraising goals.
Gala Media Partnership benefits may include:
- Strategic event promotion and storytelling support
- Visual and brand recognition across print, digital, and social platforms
- Pre- and post-event amplification through newsletters and social media
- Opportunities to highlight key speakers, sponsors, or honorees
- Collaborative campaigns that enhance donor engagement and visibility
To be considered for a Gala Media Partnership, please submit a You Said It.
