At Better Magazine, the Make It Better Foundation’s storytelling hub, we partner with nonprofits to tell nationally relevant, evergreen stories that spark generosity and inspire change. A You Said It submission is the entry point into Better Magazine and the Make It Better Foundation’s broader storytelling ecosystem.


Through this initiative, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community partners share nationally relevant, evergreen stories that advance understanding, inspire generosity, and spark meaningful action. Compelling narratives, grounded in lived experience, research, and measurable impact, allow organizations to introduce their work to Better’s national audience in their own voice.


Engage Our Audience and Earn $1000


An excellent "You Said It" can earn a nonprofit that you champion a $1,000 donation from the Make It Better Foundation and eligibility for a Philanthropy Award, expanded content partnerships, and greater engagement with our audience.

NOTE: Please allow a minimum of 8 weeks for review and consideration of time-sensitive submissions.

Tips for Strong Submissions
In order to be eligible for publication, a “You Said It” submission should follow these guidelines:
* Suggested headline (should be journalistic, compelling, nationally relevant)
* 350-500 words
* Lead with a human story, vivid detail, or compelling stat that will stop readers mid-scroll.
* Show your mission through people, outcomes, or pressing issues — not an organizational “about us” explainer.
* Keep your story evergreen and nationally relevant — it should matter to readers everywhere, not just in your city or this moment.
* Use a third-person, journalistic voice. Language should be clear and compelling, not promotional. Avoid ad-style calls to action like “join us today” — your story should inspire readers to want to act and support your organization without a direct sales pitch.
* Support your points with at least 5 trusted sources and data (universities, nonprofits, government or scientific data, neutral, trusted media, quotes by thought leaders).
* Must be original and exclusive: Ensure your submission is unique and hasn’t been published elsewhere (e.g., no press releases).
* Concise call to action for social media post; additional “how to help” section to be included on better.net (see below)

 

Cross-Platform Use

 

* We may adapt your submission across a variety of channels, so please include handles for your organization and sources for, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, YouTube etc. 

After Publication
* Share on your own channels and tag MIBF handles for collaboration.
* Add the article to your link in bio, and reshare across platforms.
* Accept collaboration requests and amplify when tagged.

 

Please submit the following items for consideration

 

1. Final Article (Required)

 

  • Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx)
  • Article length: 350–500 words
  • Include at least five (5) links to credible sources

 

2. Visuals (Required) Photo Guidelines

 

Please submit a minimum of 3 photos. Whenever possible, we encourage you to submit up to 10 photos to provide our editorial team with a variety of options for publication, social media, and promotional use.

Before submitting photos, ask yourself:

 

  • Are these photos magazine- or website-worthy?
  • Do they help tell the story and convey the essence of the article?
  • Are they professional in appearance?
  • In focus
  • Properly lit
  • Visually engaging and dynamic

 

Photos and headlines are often the first things readers notice. Strong, high-quality images help capture attention, draw readers into your story and inspire readers to learn more about your organization, event, or cause.

 

Photo Requirements

 

  • Submit a minimum of 3 photos
  • Up to 10 photos are encouraged for editorial selection
  • JPEG (.jpg) format preferred
  • At least 2,000 pixels on the longest side
  • Maximum file size: 4 MB per image
  • Provide both horizontal and vertical orientations whenever possible
  • Avoid heavy filters or excessive image editing
  • Do not crop images too tightly
  • Include a variety of images that help tell the story of the event, organization, or initiative
  • Avoid excessive "I was there" photos of people simply looking at the camera; action-oriented images are preferred
  • Use clear, descriptive file names:
  • Example: CommunityGarden_Volunteers Chicago2026.jpg
  • Include a caption and photographer credit for every photo
  • Clearly identify each photo in the file name
  • Ensure you have all necessary rights and permissions for Better.net and MIBF websites, publications, and social media channels to use the images

 

Video Guidelines (Optional)

 

If submitting video content:

 

  • Format: MP4
  • Resolution:
  • Minimum: 1080p (1920 × 1080)
  • Preferred: 4K (3840 × 2160)
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • 16:9 landscape for standard video
  • 9:16 vertical for Shorts, Reels, and Stories
  • Frame Rate:
  • 30 fps minimum
  • 60 fps preferred for action or movement-heavy footage

 

Video submissions must also include:

  • At least one landscape (horizontal) photo
  • At least one portrait (vertical) photo

 

These images may be used for featured website images, social media promotion, and video thumbnails.

 

3. Author Information (Required)

  • Author Name
  • Author Bio (2–3 sentences, not included in article word count)
  • Author Headshot
  • JPEG (.jpg) format
  • Minimum 2,000 pixels wide
  • Maximum file size: 4 MB

 

Submission Checklist

 

☐ Final Article (350–500 words) In word format
☐ At Least 5 Credible Source Links within the article
☐ Minimum 3 Photos (up to 10 encouraged)
☐ Photo Captions and Credits Included
☐ Rights/Permissions Confirmed for All Visuals
☐ Author Name
☐ Author Bio (2–3 sentences)
☐ Author Headshot
☐ Optional Video File (if applicable)
☐ Landscape and Portrait Photos Included with Video Submission

 

Use this link to upload the files listed above:

 

Click here to upload your files

 

Fill out the form below and click Submit Form

 

You Said It

Editorial angle