My Nonprofit Reviews

I first learned about Girls Gotta Run Foundation (GGRF) through their excellent and widespread reputation within the Washington DC running community. However when I learned more about their organization I realized a main strength: they reach out to so many more people than just runners. Their board of directors, advisory board, volunteers, and network of supporters spans the communities of not only running but also education, international development, and art. Through all of these connections they achieve unique success in two critical areas: 1) raising funds, and 2) distributing those funds in an informed, considered, and knowledgable way, such that their mission is achieved as effectively as possible. With regard to raising funds, it is a rare organization that can raise money through art sales, portions of online book sales, and marathon running all in the same year! It is this diversity of consideration that has enabled a small organization comprised entirely of volunteer help to nonetheless raise exceptional amounts of money. Then, with regard to distributing funds, GGRF has partnered with a total of four ‘teams’ of female Ethiopian athletes. These teams include Team Tesfa (20 girls), the Simien Girl Runners (10 girls), Team Naftech (7 girls), and Running Across Borders (my own organization; 5 girls). Team Tesfa and Running Across Borders are based outside of Ethiopia while the Simien Girl Runners and Team Naftech are operated entirely by Ethiopian citizens. Thus a balance of perspectives are represented among these partner groups, as are perhaps a balance of approaches toward the mission of supporting impoverished Ethiopian girls who are training to become runners. It has taken the diversity and balance of GGRF’s network to successfully make such a variety of connections, and carefully evaluate the funding needs of each group. GGRF is a unique and interesting foundation with a strong impact on the world through the mission it pursues.

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