Groundwork Opportunities

GO is doing a great job changing livea. In Malawi there are propsects og an entire community transformed with support through GO and its untiring team. GO deserves all the support and encouragement

I have been involved with Groundwork Opportunities for 3-4 years as a volunteer both technically and as a fundraising champion for the organization. They are one of the most trustworthy and effective non-profit organizations I've been involved with and I recommend them very highly. Bart and Jeniffer deserve your support if you can give it to them. I thank them for their efforts.

GO has been helping the community I work with in the Amazon to raise funds for a campaign they have spearheaded that will benefit their community. GO's platform gives 100% of funds collected to the participating communities and their projects. This is unlike any other crowdfunding platform. GO is an inspiring organization that enrolls people to raise funds and give while getting results. I am grateful to work with GO.

GO is a truly groundbreaking and innovative organization that had managed to connect amazing leaders on the ground in developing communities with donors around the world. Very few nonprofits give donors the insight and transparency into how their efforts are helping bring people out of poverty globally.

GO's unique approach, supporting positive impact through working through local leaders and entrepreneurs around the world, is what makes GO an exceptional organization. By focusing on seeking local solutions to local poverty challenges, GO helps to generate sustainable and effective change in some of the world's most complex contexts.

I was looking for a worthwhile cause with good quality people that I knew I could trust and that shared the same visions I do. I came across GO and Bart and Thomas immediately struck me as exactly the kinds of people I could work with. I attended one of their events, met some incredible people, and 6 months later found myself in Cambodia doing what I can to help secure a better future for some very unfortunate children. The work GO does is selfless and very noble. GO is an incredible organization that I would recommend to anyone looking to make a difference in this world.

Its hard to find a small organisation like GO in this world. GO invests on local leaders so that they can play their role to serve poorest of the poor and most vulnerable people in this world.

I have been involved with GO for the past four years and never cease to be impressed with the upstanding integrity, incredible professionalism, and amazingly creative ideas to serve the developing world that comes from GO. Not only have I been able to track 100% of my money from my checkbook directly to donors, I've been able to see the tireless efforts of GO Staff and the champion community to create something that matters to people in their own backyard as well as on the other side of the world.

GO is an amazing organisation that has truly inspired me with their compassion and dedication.

Led by a team of dedicated professionals, Groundwork Opportunities is truly committed to their mission of “creating a world beyond poverty.” As a supporter and attendee of their annual Gala in San Francisco, I have been privileged to interact with the Go Team, meet some of the talented GO champions and learn about their projects. What is most impressive about GO is their focus on local leaders around the world and their ability to empower those leaders to help their own communities.

I will continue to support GO and look forward to a long association with the organization. 100% of the funds donated to Groundwork Opportunities goes directly to local leaders in the field.

GO is a phenomenal organisation that possesses real innovation, vision and true heart. It constantly inspires and uplifts its volunteers, members and supporters by remaining actively engaged in revolutionary efforts to combat poverty worldwide.

I started working with Groundwork Opportunities (GO) a couple years ago on their advisory board and recently accepted a role on the board. I spent a good amount of time looking at different non-profits and GO impressed me with it's alignment to my own values of identifying leaders and groups with the drive to solve problems then supporting them with monetary and organizational needs. This approach is very high touch but doesn't assume knowing the solution to a specific communities needs, rather working with them to learn, understand, and support them towards their ultimate goals of improving communities and peoples lives. GO also impressed me with it's transparency about funding by providing 100% of donations to the intended project and supporting it's own infrastructure costs by specific fundraising and donations for that purpose, giving donors a clear sense of where their funds would be used.

It's been an honor to be involved with this small group of driven individuals, both staff and volunteers. I'm especially touched by meeting partners in the communities and seeing first hand the work they are doing and the obstacles they struggle with on a daily basis. Looking forward to continuing my contributions to this organization while also learning from those we work with.

I'm a member of the Champions Advisory Board. I am very impressed by the integrity of GO and their mission. Their ability to pass on 100% of donated funds to the projects on the ground is extraordinary. I also think very highly of the projects they choose after their extensive vetting process. This ensures that all of the funds donated are used very catalytically to do the most good possible. Highly recommended.

I began working with GO in various volunteer roles when the organization began in 2009 and now actively serve as their Events Manager and on their Advisory Committee. In 2011, I was
one of the very first GO Champions and launched a fundraising drive that raised $2,500 to start a sustainable bee farm in Uganda. In 2012, I was able to visit this farm myself, a moment that I will remain with me forever. I felt extremely blessed for the opportunity to see my impact first hand. After this experience, I was inspired by the organization and wanted to give everything I could.

I have acted as an advisor to the charity by helping them scale their GO Champions program. Additionally, given my event planning experience, I managed and consulted on 30-40 GO events per year that focused on fundraising and awareness building for the organization.

I recall when GO first started, with Bart and Heather and several others in place to capably lead the organization to where it is today. Through the years, I have admired the passion and dedication of those working directly with GO to benefit various communities worldwide. The fund-raising events are fun, and the proceeds go to many worthy efforts.

I discovered GO by chance at one of their earliest fundraisers almost 6 years ago. It was immediately apparent that the people behind this organization were thoughtful, passionate, ambitious and resourceful. Watching GO evolve to bring a network of people together across the world in support of alleviating poverty has been an inspiring experience. GO continues to identify and partner with incredible leaders in many countries to help multiply the positive impact they have on their communities. I am excited to see the continued evolution of GO.

I have been involved with GO over the past 2 years and cannot say enough about how passionate their team is. Their model of empowering individuals and communities provides sustainable solutions that enrich the lives of so many. GO is an organization that cares deeply about the people and communities that they serve.

I have been supporting GO since its beginning in 2008. The GO team have continued to stay true to their mission of investing in leaders who have the capacity to end poverty in their communities.

I have always supported GO's vision to create a world beyond poverty. I am most impressed by how a small investment can bring a community fresh water, sustainable farming, a new school or support women in the marketplace just to name a few of GO's projects.

As a development professional with a strong passion for interventions that empower communities to become agents of change, I could not speak more highly of the work that Groundwork Opportunities enables and inspires. The dedication and commitment of the GO team to changing lives is irrefutable, as is the continuous strive for betterment and progress.

They nurture a link between their champions/fundraisers and the community leaders making an impact on the ground in a way that not many non-profits could ever attempt and this is really what sets them apart.

I am proud to be involved in this fast moving, energetic and life changing organization.

I have been involved with GO almost since its inception and I partnered with GO on a project in Rwanda which they took on when I was unable to do so myself due to health reasons. GO has provided the type of sustainable support to the people of Rwanda and elsewhere in Africa that ensures that those served multiplies exponentially. Every dollar donated makes a difference. GO is a very diligent steward of all monies. They empower the people in each community to create change that is sustainable. GO collaborates with everyone involved and this invites more involvement. It has been a pleasure to observe their projects grow so successfully. They invite donors to join them to actually physically build homes for the homeless families in Rwanda which also give the message to Rwandans that people care about them, and they do. They also provide clean water, means to generate food and income and to obtain education. They provide long term sustainable solutions that in the long run, will make this world a much better place. GO GO GO - what you are doing is incredible.

Groundwork Opportunities helps me believe in my heart that positive change is possible. GO is truly an organization that is involved on levels that are both strategic and compassionate- both are crucial in building and maintaining a successful partnership. It amazes me how hands on GO is with their partners. Even oceans away, there is excitement, enthusiasm, love, and devotion that accompanies every effort, and interaction. With so many nonprofits to support these days, my commitment remains with GO. With GO, there is hope.

What makes GO different than most organizations, is that it provides a platform for anyone to make a difference. They empower their community to create change, which is contagious & has the power to grow beyond all expectations. Because of their ability to collaborate they have found some of the most incredible & inspiring partners around the world. It has been a pleasure to watch their projects grow so successfully. They are teaching people to farm, so they have a reliable skill & source of food. They provide clean water to provide economic freedom, they educate to open doors. They provide long term sustainable solutions that in the long run, will make this world a much better place. I love GO!

I can earnestly say Groundwork Opportunities is doing non-profit the right way. They are on the ground helping local entrepreneurs create sustainable solutions in the developing world. I traveled to Uganda and Rwanda with the team and have continually working with them since. They are great people trying to make real changes. I highly recommend everyone get involved with their causes.

I started with GO!, almost from the beginning. I had worked with one of the founders on my first job out of college and another was my roommate. In 4 short years, I have seen the organizationI a move from a cocktail napkin idea, to a lean mean, community empowering machine with 25 amazing projects in the pipeline. They do it all, with 100% of personal donations to cause and such a strong focus on educating communities and creating self sustaining businesses, education platforms and infrastructure. It is all about teaching and learning, providing a boost to get an idea off the ground. I love that all the ideas come straight from the communities they serve and I was thrilled to join the Board of Directors ths year. I am proud to work with an organization that can pair great ideas with financial resources and skilled project managers to translate urgent need into sustainable change.

I love GO because they are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs in developing countries make impact through their own ideas. It's incredibly satisfying to see how far your $20 can go in making a difference whether it be building a water well or helping to fund a farming coalition -- 100% goes to the cause! The leaders at GO work hard to make that happen. As a donor and volunteer, that is hugely important. I heart GO!

Groundwork Opportunities has been an incredible organization to be a tiny part of. First, I've been inspired personally by the bravery of the GO team, who gave up lucrative careers in order to help people in need. Not only that, but they help people by empowering them to achieve THEIR ideas. This is so powerful and really focuses the work around the people in need. And through GO I've had the chance to meet some of these people and I've been touched by their stories. GO has inspired me, not only to be a more giving person, but to follow MY dreams. That's the power of GO and I'm forever grateful.

I first learned about Groundwork Opportunities about 2 years ago when a friend invited me to an event. Since then I started going to the fundraising events whenever I could, and gradually became more involved with the organization. GroundWork Opportunities is unique in the world of non-profits - not only do 100% of personal donations go directly to the cause (and to that specific cause), but the organization's easy, and beautifully designed website make the experience of giving and sharing that experience easy and accessible to a growing number of people. Best of all, every project is scoped with sustainability in mind so that the communities one helps can continue to help themselves. The impact that GroundWork Opportunities is making is sure to grow exponentially.

I was introduced to Groundwork Opportunities in 2011 and the organization has become part of my extended family. The dedication to the simple concept of creating a world beyond poverty by empowering local leaders is amazing. The leverage and the successful projects that I have seen continually make me want to find more ways to help the Global mobilization to help our brothers and sisters in other countries grow and flourish. I count my self blessed to be part of this organization.

Serendipity first introduced me to Bart and the GO team four years ago. I fixed Bart's iPod at a birthday party and be asked me to help him with a benefit concert he was producing. Turns out he was tying to fix the world. Far more gratifying than iPod repair. I said I'd help. Since then I've been excited to volunteer, advise, or participate in every GO event I can. Why? Because I like the feeling of making a difference - but perhaps what is more gratifying and what might very well be the "GO Difference" is that I like SEEING the difference I can make - and that's what GO provides. It has been such a fulfilling experience working with GO these past few years and I look forward to many more years to come. If you want to make a difference volunteer. If you want to SEE the difference - than it's GO all the way.

After connecting with Groundwork Opportunities (G.O.) in 2011 I was welcomed with open arms to a family that was making great things happen. It began as a curiosity and interest in the work they were doing and grew to me joining their cause. WIth a full support team, extensive network of global leaders, and commitment to see progress and change, I felt (and feel), part of something big. Joining G.O. this past year I traveled to Masaka, Uganda with 5 students to volunteer and learn about the efforts in food security at a model farm in the rural agricultural lands. What we saw and took part in was extraordinary. With G.O.'s funding, source of new ideas and innovations, and 'boots on the ground' hard work and sweat, thier impact has been mighty, bringing food and income to the table for thousands of local families. Coming home from Uganda, I felt a need to continue their mission. Again with the help and support of Groundwork, I was able to develop a successful 'Champion' funding campaign raising money to bring clean stoves to the women of Masaka. Very different than many non-profit organizations in the field, G.O. guarantees 100% of the money raised goes directly to the source. That point alone is incredibly empowering. I continue to support and believe in Groundwork Opportunities's mission to bring positive change in the global world. Thank you GO!

Groundwork Opportunities (GO) is an extremely effective organization because it is run by the most passionate, smart, dedicated, creative, caring, and inspiring individuals. They work with volunteers and engage with communities to support innovative ideas and empower local leaders. I am volunteering with GO and it's a wonderful experience because they are experienced, organized, professional, and fun! Additionally, 100% of funds donated to GO, go directly to the cause. Go GO!

Groundwork Opportunities (or GO fro short) is an organization I am highly supportive of, because their approach to serving communities in need is revolutionary. By believing in "the power of their ideas and our support," they are able to delivers support that serves their constituency in the best way possible. I'm proud to be working with such a tight-knit group of ambitious people who continue to stay true to their values as philanthropists.

I can't think of a more impactful and passionate organization than Groundwork Opportunities. Watching GO grow in its reach and maturity as an organization over the past few years has been inspirational. GO deserves every accolade and recognition they earn.

Groundwork Opportunities is a one-of-a-kind organization that truly impacts the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people in the communities in which GO works. I have seen the work that GO does first-hand, and am inspired and humbled by the network GO has created, the lives GO has touched, and the local leaders GO have empowered. GO does not go into a community wanting to change it, but rather finds local community members who have a dream. GO gives them the means to make that dream become a reality. Thank you for what you do, GO.

Groundwork Opportunities (GO) has really done a great job with outreach and finding support from the community. I also really appreciate the way that they find projects and partners, ensuring that something can be sustained over time, not just a one time "fix and get out". It is important to keep the long term support needs in mind, and GO does that. Thanks GO!

For more than a decade, I actively sought the perfect non-profit organization to work with to fulfill my dreams of doing humanitarian work in Africa. No matter which I sought out, I was continuously disappointed. Where was my money going? Who was it really benefiting? Why was I sending an organization money instead of giving it to a specific project? So I pursued other humanitarian efforts in other countries, putting Africa on hold. Until the day I discovered Groundwork Opportunities. GO jived with everything I believed in, and more. Within 48 hours, I was called by one of the founders and given specific, special attention. Instead of feeling skepitcal, I was left in awe of their goals, values, and character. We worked together to build a pig farm in Uganda that is currently on its trajectory to change the lives of thousands of people. GO will be a part of my life for the REST of my life. Any and all humanitarian efforts I aspire to from this point out, I will accomplish with GO. There is no better organization.

GO is an exciting 501(c)(3) working within the framework of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals to help meet anti-poverty targets through sustainable development.
Based in San Francisco, GO’s reach extends to vulnerable communities across the globe.
Working at the grassroots where it believes it can have the greatest impact, GO’s philosophy is simple: To empower local visionaries and entrepreneurs to engage their own communities and take part in designing their own sustainable futures.
By providing the tools, skills and resources to believe and invest in their own ideas, communities take ownership of their projects and are committed to their success. The outcomes are self evident.
GO is transforming lives at every level. Most of all by creating leaders in their natural environments.
I congratulate the terrific team at GO for its passion, spirit and success. Truly inspirational - you have my avid support.

I first learned of GO from volunteering at their Presidio 10K this year. I felt compelled to contribute my time towards their cause--raising funds to build a 2nd story to the school they originally funded in a Ghanaian village because I had recently traveled there. Everyone had such great energy and enthusiasm at the event and I continue to be inspired by GO's accomplishments--the school addition was built in less than 90 days. I love that they support indigenous communities' ideas and are incredibly driven, results-oriented, and deeply committed to making lasting change where it is needed most.

Since I connected with GO my bussiness has grown rapidly, I have being receiving and hosting GO'S volunteers who come to visit projects here in in Moshi Tanzania. They were all nice people and foward looking to serve those who are ineed in the community. Go has grown fast since its started on its mission to conduct different projects in the community ineed world wide and this is due to its good management, commited staff and loving what they are doing. Iam so hapy and proud to be GO'S partners.
Wish you all the best on comming projects and together we can.
Ibrah Mkizu

I was introduced to Groundwork Opportunities by a colleague about 5 months ago. I looked into the organization further and reached out to one of the leaders for some guidance regarding an opportunity to volunteer abroad.

Since the initial interest, I have had the pleasure of working with this individual directly and strategizing how to become most effective with initiatives of the organizations/volunteers.

I look forward to my continuous involvement with Groundwork Opportunities and truly believe in everything they represent.

For the past 7 months I have been interning at Groundwork Opportunities as a Development Analyst. When I was originally searching for such a position I knew I wanted to find a non-profit organization that had a clear mission, enthusiasm for the cause and the ability to achieve results on a large scale. When I found GO I was exposed to all of these qualities and more.

GO operates off a simple maxim, The Power of Their Ideas and Our Support. They trust that the community knows what is best, and do everything in their power to support and drive such causes. The best part is that 100% of personal donations go directly to the cause, and can therefore be utilized to the fullest advantage.

Fun events, a great cause, and amazing volunteers, Groundwork Opportunities is an amazing organization to get involved with!

I have been an avid supporter of GO since it was founded in 2008. I had just moved to San Francisco and I wanted to get involved in the community by volunteering for a local non-profit. I was first introduced to GO because a close friend of mine, Jennifer O'Connor, had just started working as their Development Director. She invited me to attend their first fundraising event and I instantly was attracted to their mission of helping developing world communities own their development by investing in their ideas. The more I learned about GO's mission and all of the diverse community led projects they were involved in, the more passionate I became about this
organization. GO's 100% to cause donation model and transparency was so inspiring that I wanted to do more than just donate or attend their events; I wanted to volunteer, engage my network of friends/colleagues, and leverage my professional skills to increase the scope of its operations. Through my ongoing volunteer work at GO, I have learned the phrase "You Give What You Have" which, in my view, means that whether someone only has a $1 to spare, advice to give, or volunteers their time, it all really makes a difference in helping those in need.

Groundwork Opportunities is a great organization that helps people do the volunteer work they have been wanting to do without charging a for profit price. You are confident all of the money goes to the right places. All of the volunteers have an amazing ability to find other amazing people in the area that are eager to help. They bring together like minded and hearted individuals end up with very contructive projects. I have not had the chance to volunteer abroad, but hope to someday. And, until then, they give me many chances to help the causes locally.

I am extremely proud to support Groundwork Opportunities because they have a very unique approach to solving many problems around the world. GO uses the power of money and resources to give people all over the world the ability to solve their own problems using their own ideas. For example, I was able to fundraise around $1000 for GO and all of the funds went directly to build out a school in Ghana that was overflowing with students. My donors and I were so happy there was a direct correlation from the donation to the project. The staff at GO also have very strong relationships with all of their project leaders and each one of them has a personal story that is very inspiring as well.

Groundwork Opportunities is so unique for many different reasons. I really appreciate the founders love and desire to make a sustainable difference. There are no ego's involved there is only a desire to improve lives all around the world. Every event I attend has a natural and encouraging way of reminding me that each of us can make a difference and I walk away wanting to be a part of their vision. Talk about combining love and passion to change the world.

As the head of a 90 bed mission hospital in a remote part of northeastern Ghana, West Africa, I am deeply grateful for Groundwork Opportunities. They have assisted our hospital since 2008 and have been enormously helpful. GO is a smart, savvy organization that ensures donor monies are well spent on projects that work. Please support GO; you are helping those of us in deprived rural areas to serve the poorest of the poor.
Dr. Jean Young
Saboba Medical Centre, Saboba, N/R, Ghana

I support GO and encourage others to do so because they truly help individuals learn to support themselves ("teach a man to fish") and also every dollar that you contribute goes directly to this cause. They are able to do this because everyone in the GO organization is a volunteer, thus there are no overhead costs that take a portion of your donation away from those in need. I also promote GO because all of the events they hold to raise money and awareness are extremely well-organized, fun, and effective. They are always professional and have their eye on then end goal of helping those in need.

Groundwork Opportunities has helped improve the livelihoods of the forgotten rural communities in Uganda since 2007 through Uganda Rural Community support Foundation( URCSF) focusing on alleviating suffering and poverty by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. With a belief in the intrinsic value and dignity of human life, as well as the strength of human resilience, and the ability of people to thrive.

Groundwork Opportunities has been a great help in supporting my organization's work in providing health care at the grass-roots level in South Sudan. It is exactly the type of partnership and program that is needed most I think, since it serves people in a intimate, deep way. GO has been very supportive, especially as we've tried new initiatives such as constructing an ecologically-friendly demonstration house or purchased health worker books for rural, largely untaught health workers.

Our own sufferings can't allow to change this world and to satisfy our families/community needs. Groundwork Opportunities tremendously serves as a walking path that helps many hearts of Rwanda torn by the Genocide to focus on the present, which is about love and go forward to a Unity and Sustainable development. As an active director of GO-Rwanda "A Thousand Hills Project", I know and witness how both Genocide survivors and Genocide perpetrator's families come together to think about Love and Development and reduced conflict at zero spread out rate. This is being done through trainings on self-conflict resolution and community works that involved all conflicted parts. GO is really bringing change that the World needs "With my Peace, the community is developed".