Sponsoring a Nonprofit: From Application to Impact

“One of my friends helped founded Kiwimbi, and I supported the organization for a few years before introducing it to Project Redwood. Engaging with and getting to know the local staff during the grant application and reporting process has certainly justified my earlier support and made it more tangible and personal. It has been wonderful to see how the grants for a computer lab and library were implemented and the impact they’ve had on the community. The experience meant so much to Kiwimbi that they even honored me with their annual award!”

“I met GerHub’s founder, Badruun Gardi (Stanford ’09), while living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Impressed by GerHub’s community-driven solutions to challenges in the city’s urban outskirts, I was excited to sponsor their Community-Based Tourism program through Project Redwood. The sponsor–grantee relationship has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to engage closely with the organization and support sustainable, locally led change.”

“In 2024, I joined a field visit to Malawi and saw a Project Redwood-funded project firsthand, experiencing the impact beyond reports and statistics. Sponsoring World Connect deepened my understanding of their operational model and strengthened my relationships with key staff. Seeing what food security and safe housing mean in daily life and the ripple effects for women and families was deeply meaningful. This experience affirmed the strength of World Connect’s co-investment model and the catalytic role Project Redwood plays in helping nonprofits succeed.”

“Serving as a sponsor for BOLT has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Hillary Do is a visionary leader, and seeing BOLT’s grassroots leaders drive real change across Philadelphia has been truly inspiring. From building a maternal health center from the ground up to supporting fellowship organizations as they raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in new funding, BOLT is expanding impact where it matters most. Community-led change is a model that works, and BOLT is at the forefront of pioneering this approach. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a front-row seat to this work.”

“You never know when or where you might encounter an organization doing truly impactful work to fight poverty. During a trip to Peru, my wife Leah and I visited a Quechua women’s weaving cooperative in the Andes supported by Awamaki. I was deeply impressed by Awamaki’s model and its focus on building sustainable economic opportunities for indigenous women. I introduced Awamaki to Project Redwood, which led to a grant supporting a new specialty alpaca yarn line. Seeing Quechua women generate income through their craftsmanship has been incredibly rewarding.”

“As a native Latina from Mexico, I’ve been especially drawn to opportunities that support Latino women, and Awamaki has been a perfect fit. I’ve been inspired by the work being done with Quechua women weavers in Peru—helping them create beautiful textiles while also building the skills needed to run a self-sustaining cooperative. Partnering with an experienced co-sponsor has made the experience both meaningful and rewarding, and it has deepened my appreciation for artisan-led economic development.”

“Working in partnership with Jackie Reed, WISE’s phenomenal leader, and with the leaders of other organizations I’ve sponsored—including the Gary Comer Youth Center and the Cristo Rey Network—has been a deeply fulfilling part of my life. I am continually inspired by what these organizations accomplish and the selfless commitment their leaders show in helping women move forward toward better futures. It’s an honor to support WISE’s mission, and the missions of these organizations, in any way I can.”

“The leaders of WISE, along with many of Project Redwood’s grantees—including Chesca Colleredo-Mansfield of Miraclefeet, which I sponsored earlier in our grantmaking history—are truly inspiring to work with. Their insight, resilience, and deep commitment to the communities they serve are evident in everything they do. They have taught Project Redwood so much about what it takes to design and deliver programs that meaningfully improve lives, and it has been a privilege to learn from and support their work.”

“Girls Gotta Run Foundation (GGRF) provides scholarships to young female student athletes in Bekoji and Sodo, Ethiopian communities renowned for producing world-class long-distance runners. In places where running is a way of life and a powerful source of inspiration, GGRF helps girls pursue education, develop leadership and life skills, and build confidence through sport. Since its founding, GGRF has supported more than 600 student athletes, fostering opportunity, resilience, and a strong sense of community for young women working toward brighter futures.”