GIRL RISING-GLOBAL EDUCATION FUND
LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION AND GENDER EQUITY
The Girl Rising Global Education Fund (GR-GEF) was a six-year venture philanthropy fund (2019-2024) through which we sought out, invested in, and joined forces with local leaders who have innovative, culturally relevant ideas on how to advance gender equity and education quality for girls and boys facing social and economic challenges.
We first introduced this model in India and Kenya as a four-year fund (2019-2022). Due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19 and the resulting shifts made by local leaders in their visions and programs, we extended the fund by an additional two years (2019-2024). We also expanded the fund to include grantees in Guatemala.
Our Story of Impact: Insights & Learnings from the GR-GEF Final Report
We invite you to read the final GR-GEF report, which shares the story of how the fund began, the challenges encountered, the lessons learned, and the significant transformations these organizations experienced. The report highlights how they evolved into institutions committed to advancing education and gender equity for girls and boys facing social and economic challenges.
We remain committed to using this work as a foundation for our future efforts. We’re entering a new chapter. One defined by bold partnerships, deeper impact, and the opportunity to scale.
Our Enduring Commitment
In India and Kenya, we will continue delivering RISE, our flagship educational program, in close collaboration with local organizations and with the support of government partnerships that open the door to reaching millions of adolescents. Around the world, our Student Ambassador Program and global educator community will grow, connecting young changemakers and the teachers who believe in their potential.
MEET THE GR-GEF GRANTEES
Big Picture Learning Kenya
Founded in 2018 by Carol Owala, a talented educator with extensive experience leading programs in under-served communities of Nairobi.
Milaan Foundation, India
Milaan's signature Girl Icon program encourages rural girls to succeed in school while building life skills, agency, and well-being.
Sunflower Trust,
Kenya
Founded in 2016 by Rukia Nesbit as an after-school program for at-risk girls to help improve their literacy and comprehension as well as leadership skills.
EPRODEP,
Guatemala
EPRODEP leads academics, arts programs, and social-emotional skills development for young people in Ciudad Quetzal through alternative schooling
Metis,
Kenya
Metis transforms education by supporting local leadership and innovation. Through their Fellowship program, Metis scales new education initiatives
Amigos de Santa Cruz, Guatemala
Led by Indigenous women, AdSC leads educational programming, incoming-generating activities, and life skills curriculum including sexual health.
Slam Out Loud,
India
SoL brings arts education into learning spaces, uses poetry, theatre, visual arts and storytelling to build essential skills and mindsets
Watch Recent GR-GEF Event
Meg Porfido - Co-Chair
Lee Strongwater - Co-Chair
Jesus Chavez
Liz Berry Gips
Moira Cullen Kotowski
Boli Medappa
Eliza Woloson
Claudia Zeisberger