Transformational gift will allow non-profit to provide girls throughout Greater Los Angeles a pathway to become empowered and compassionate leaders
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) announced last week that philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $4.9 million to the organization.
The gift will provide girls throughout Los Angeles a pathway to become empowered and compassionate leaders, bolstered by mentorship and Girl Scouts’ research-backed programming, regardless of barriers including socioeconomic status. The gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and 29 of GSUSA’s 111 local councils selected by MacKenzie Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in both GSGLA and GSUSA’s history.
“We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for this extraordinary gift, which will help us reach thousands more girls,” said Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles CEO Theresa Edy Kiene. “To receive this investment in girls in our 100th anniversary year is particularly meaningful; as we set the course for our future, we are squarely focused on making sure all girls in Greater Los Angeles have access to our programming. We are empowering the next generation of leaders.”
Donations to women’s and girls’ organizations make up less than 2% of all charitable giving. MacKenzie Scott’s gift will enable Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles to:
Create more equitable membership opportunities in communities previously underserved by Girl Scouts. This includes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access and Racial Justice initiatives, continuing to break down accessibility barriers by partnering with community organizations including after-school programs at Title 1 schools, providing troop start-up funds and free memberships, and partnering with families and communities.
Fostering meaningful program innovation informed by girls’ current interests and needs, preparing them for leadership, including an expanded focus on career readiness, mental wellness and civic and social engagement. A priority is expanding girls’ access to STEAM exploration, building upon exciting programs such as hands-on coding, robotics, and sustainability.
Bolstering the foundations of the council in critical areas such as volunteer and staff training. Provide opportunities for more girls to get outside and connect with nature and each other while building confidence at our high adventure camps.
