May 8, 2025
Grape + Grain 2025
Join us at Theater on the Lake for an extraordinary evening featuring dinner and an exciting auction with specially curated fine wines and spirits.
Attend an Event
Build your knowledge, get inspired and meet our network at an upcoming event.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
May 9, 2024
Grape + Grain 2024
Thank you to all who joined us for Grape + Grain 2024. We look forward to seeing you at Grape + Grain 2025!
January 31, 2024
A Windy City Breakthrough: Data to Drive Youth Progress
Thank you to those who joined us at this SOLD OUT event! We enjoyed discussing the Youth Opportunity Dashboard and how it can be used to drive investments to where they are most needed.
June 1, 2023
2023 Grape and Grain Wine Auction
Thank you to those who joined us for Grape + Grain 2023! Proceeds from the event advanced A Better Chicago’s mission of creating opportunities for youth.
December 7, 2022
Overcoming Barriers to Community College Success
Learn about an exciting partnership that aims to dramatically increase community college graduation rates and transform lives.
October 27, 2022
Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything
The first five years of a child's life are a critical period for learning and growth. Watch this engaging panel discussion featuring Diana Rauner along with early childcare experts across the field.
June 2, 2022
2022 Grape and Grain Wine Auction
This engaging, “not to be missed” charity event will feature select wines and spirits for fine wine collectors. Proceeds from the event will go towards advancing A Better Chicago’s mission.
October 27, 2021
More than a GPA: Innovating to Build a Pathway to Success
A moderated discussion exploring how both longstanding and emerging programs are innovating to ensure students at all ages have the necessary support to thrive in school and in their careers.
October 14, 2021
Mental Health Matters: Innovating to Serve the Whole Child
A moderated discussion focused on how innovative programs and initiatives are working to holistically support young people—from early learners to career—as they navigate their new normal.
June 24, 2021
FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty – Building a Pathway from Poverty to Success, Empowering Chicago’s Youth to Thrive
Join us for a panel discussion on how to empower first-gen college students from low-income communities to succeed and break the cycle of poverty.
June 17, 2021
100 Years Later: The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Join the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in commemorating Juneteenth by paying tribute to victims, survivors, & descendants of the Tulsa Massacre.
June 10, 2021
Fireside Chat with Dr. Janice Jackson
Join our CEO Beth Swanson and outgoing Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Janice Jackson on June 10 at 6:00 p.m. for an intimate conversation.
May 24, 2021
WTTW’s Firsthand: Living in Poverty series
Join us for a panel discussion on how to empower first-gen college students from low-income communities to succeed and break the cycle of poverty.
January 18, 2021
FIRSTHAND: Coronavirus
WTTW, Chicago's PBS station, presents FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty, a new initiative that explores this issue from the perspectives of five Chicagoans experiencing intergenerational poverty
October 29, 2020
A Better Future
Join us for this virtual event as we highlight the nonprofit leaders, youth changemakers, and donors who are stepping up to help build a better future for us all.
September 28, 2020
One West Side: Meet Our Grantees
A Better Chicago and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation are teaming up to invest at least $2 million over three years in Chicago's West Side.
August 27, 2020
Innovation Through Crisis
In partnership with the Chicago Public Education Fund, we invite you to join us for a unique conversation with three principals as they discuss the innovative practices that they have led in schools.
August 19, 2020
2020 State of Chicago Youth with Mikva Challenge
Join us for a virtual town hall featuring Mikva Challenge’s Citywide and Neighborhood Youth Councils. Youth policy makers will give their insights on how we move forward into recovery and reform.
June 16, 2020
Virtual Fitness Class With PureBarre
Join our impact council for a virtual class with PureBarre West Loop. This class is offered for free with a suggested donation of $20. Your gift will support our anti-poverty efforts in Chicago.
May 14, 2020
CANCELLED: 2020 Impact Summit
A Better Chicago’s Impact Summit convenes changemakers across industries to explore how we can work together to make our city more equitable.
March 9, 2020
“Chicago at the Crossroad” Screening
Join A Better Chicago for a screening of Brian Schodorf's documentary, "Chicago at the Crossroads". After the screening we invite you to stay for a panel discussion with community leaders.
November 19, 2019
Is Poverty Your Problem?
We are partnering with Chicago Ideas to host this conversation to explore solutions to economic disparities in Chicago.
October 5, 2019
The Impact Council’s 2nd Annual A Better Social
Join our impact council and other young professionals for an evening of fun and giving back! Enjoy an open bar, appetizers and raffle prizes while learning how you can support our work.
June 6, 2019
Learning Series: A Fireside Chat with Liam Krehbiel and Beth Swanson
A Better Chicago Founder + Board Chair Liam Krehbiel sits down with new CEO Beth Swanson to discuss this pivotal moment for the organization.
April 25, 2019
2019 Impact Summit
A Better Chicago's Impact Summit will convene business and civic leaders to explore how philanthropy can accelerate change and deliver life-changing educational opportunity to every Chicagoan.
February 13, 2019
Learning Series: How Does a New Mayor Impact Education in Chicago?
Join us for a candid discussion with experts, advocates and nonprofit leaders on mayoral power and what a new mayor could mean for the education landscape in Chicago.
October 18, 2018
Learning Series: How Do The Best Get Better
Join us to learn how the region’s best education nonprofits are continuing to innovate their already successful models in order to better serve Chicago’s students.
September 15, 2018
The Impact Council’s A Better Social
Join A Better Chicago's Impact Council for an evening at one of Chicago's hippest new venues!
May 17, 2018
A Better Chicago Education Summit 2018
A Better Chicago’s Education Summit convenes leaders from business, education and philanthropy to explore ways that we can work together to build a world-class education system in Chicago. This annual
August 10, 2017
A Night At The Social Table
Join A Better Chicago's Impact Council for an evening at one of Chicago's most unique culinary spaces!
July 27, 2017
Learning Series: Is Higher Education Working?
Higher education is core to the American Dream. But even for those who enroll in college, many don't make it to graduation day and others accrue exorbitant debt. Is college the right answer for every
May 18, 2017
A Better Chicago Education Summit
A Better Chicago's education summit will convene business and civic leaders to explore how philanthropy can accelerate change and deliver a world class education to every Chicagoan. This event is by i
April 24, 2017
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show
A Better Chicago and Saks Fifth Avenue invite you to a private cocktail reception to celebrate the FENDI Fall 2017 collection. Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue's generosity in underwriting the event, 100%
April 21, 2017
Learning Series: due Diligence Inside Look
An invite only event to learn about the unique way that A Better Chicago selects our grantees.
October 27, 2016
A Better Social
Please join A Better Chicago for a night of cocktails and conversation. Hear how we are dramatically improving educational opportunities for low-income Chicagoans. Meet our dynamic leadership team and
May 17, 2016
A Better Chicago Education Summit
A Better Chicago’s Education Summit convenes business, civic, and academic leaders to explore how philanthropy can accelerate change and deliver a world class education to every Chicagoan. Ken Robinso
April 18, 2016
Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show
A Better Chicago's annual fashion show in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue feature Swiss designer house Akris.
February 24, 2016
Learning Series: “Most Likely To Succeed” Film Screening
Join us for an exclusive screening of the independent film Most Likely To Succeed. Most Likely to Succeed is an award-winning education documentary which premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.