March 1, 2025:

Our nationally recognized Girls+ Advisory Board (GAB) provides high school students with hands-on experience in philanthropy, addressing community needs, and strategic grantmaking. 

Over the past 20 years, GAB has awarded over $300,000 to agencies supporting women and girls facing poverty, gender-based violence, homelessness, and lack of access to health and reproductive care. The process involves identifying key issues, interviewing organizational leaders, visiting programs, and making difficult decisions on which organizations to award grants. 

Earlier this year, the group chose to focus on supporting education, childcare, and housing access. Last month, they carefully considered factors such as organizational benefits, community impact, alignment with funding priorities, geographic representation, and the broader political and social climate affecting nonprofits and human rights. 

We are excited to announce the following organizations that will receive funding from the Girls Advisory Board: 

Childcare and Education 

• Mighty Writers: $3,000 

• The Garage: $3,500 

• The Bridge Academy: $3,000 

• Mom’s House: $2,500 

Housing Access 

• Home of the Sparrow: $3,000 

• Ann’s Heart: $2,500 

• Open Hearth: $2,500 

We congratulate and appreciate the students involved in this important work. Their thoughtful consideration and collaborative work will help make an impact for women and girls throughout Chester County.