A Better Chicago

We’re two months away from our annual gala and fundraiser, Grape + Grain!

We’ll be returning to Theater on the Lake on September 18, 2026 for a curated dinner and live fine wines and spirit auction in support of Chicago’s youth.

If you are interested in being a sponsor for this event, learn more at: https://www.pjhchicago.com/events/abetterchicago

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we are inspired by this thoughtful op-ed from our Board Chair, Steve Beard.

Our nation was founded on the promise of a more perfect union. And with each generation, it is up to us to move that promise forward by identifying the gaps that remain and putting in the work to close them, just as labor leaders, suffragists and civil rights leaders did before us.

As Steve writes: "Find the gap that is yours, expect the hard arguments that come with closing it, and treat them as the work itself, not a detour from it."

Read the full piece in Crain's Chicago Business:

Opinion: What a Chicago childhood taught me about America’s unfinished promise I grew up in the gap between what Roseland promised and what it ultimately delivered. Here what I have come to believe about that distance.

Last month, Chicago Scholars, an A Better Chicago portfolio organization, welcomed its Class of 2031 cohort during its annual New Scholar Orientation (NSO).

Each year, we're inspired to see hundreds of new scholars celebrated as they begin their journey with the program.

Congratulations to the newest class. We can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish.

Learn more about Chicago Scholars and their work at www.ChicagoScholars.org.