August Charity of the Month

Charity Of The Month

Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital

educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Our History The Girls Inc movement started in New England during the Industrial Revolution as a response to the needs of a new working class: young women who had migrated from rural communities in search of newly available job opportunities in textile mills and factories.

Programs Girls Inc develops research-based informal education programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. Major programs address math and science education, pregnancy and drug abuse prevention, media literacy, economic literacy, adolescent health, violence prevention, and sports participation.

National Board and CEO Our national leadership focuses on developing innovative ways to leverage our most valuable asset—acknowledged expertise as the nation's premiere program provider and advocate for girls—to expand our reach. Our leaders include Bridgette P. Heller, National Board Chair; and Donna Brace Ogilvie, National Board Honorary Chair.

Funding Girls Inc. is a nonprofit organization that receives 77 percent of its revenue from public support—corporations, foundations, government grants, and individuals. The remainder comes from affiliate dues, fees, interest and dividends. More than three-quarters of the organization's functional expenses go directly to support program services for girls.

Membership Girls Inc. programming can be offered anywhere girls are found, including Girls Inc. centers, schools, churches, community centers and housing projects. The majority of Girls Inc. centers are located in low–income areas and provide a weekly average of 30 hours of after-school, weekend and summer activities.

Research The National Resource Center (NRC) is the organization's research, information services and training site. Research and evaluation conducted by the NRC provide the foundation for Girls Inc. programs. The NRC also responds to requests for information on girls' issues and distributes Girls Inc. publications.

Advocacy Girls Inc informs policymakers about girls' needs locally and nationally. The organization educates the media about critical issues facing girls. In addition, the organization teaches girls how to advocate for themselves and their communities, using their voices to promote positive change.

National Scholars The Girls Inc Scholars Program was created in 1992 when Lucile Miller Wright, a longtime supporter of Girls Incorporated, bequeathed $6.4 million from her estate to the organization to fund scholarships expressly for young women members. This endowed fund secures the base of a commitment to scholarships at Girls Incorporated that began in 1945 with the Reader's Digest Career Key program.