Making a Difference: A Primer

Finding Partners and Projects

In our work we’ve noticed “what’s working.” The following are the approaches we’ve come to look for:

  • Grassroots organizations with strong local leadership
  • Mentorship and scholarships for teenage girls
  • Delivery of health information, vocational training, and/or financial skills
  • Trainings to address maternal and early childhood care

Below are some examples of organizations doing excellent work for women and girls globally. These are not necessarily grantees of the HOW Fund, but represent a spectrum of effective programs:

WomenThrive Advocates for policies that lift women and their families out of poverty.

Women for Women Helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives.

One Heart and other maternal health orgs  Provides midwife trainings in order to save the lives of women and their babies.

Camfed Breaks the cycle of poverty and disease by educating girls in Africa.

Places to find evaluations of Non-Profits

GiveWell

GuideStar

Charity Navigator

The Nuts and Bolts of Giving

Form a Giving Group

Gather a group of friends who are joined by a desire to see change.  Here’s how to create a giving group in your neighborhood:  Ten Steps to Starting a Giving Circle

Start a Foundation or Donor Advised Fund

To explore starting a small foundation check out the Association of Small Foundations.  For most donors,  a Donor Advised Fund can be an easy, efficient means to set up a small giving entity. We recommend your local community foundation, or The Giving Fund.

Make a Donation

Make a donation, but do your research first.  Check the charity’s website,  funding partners, and reviews by online evaluators.  Ask questions and use your common sense.

Visit Projects Internationally

The best way to know if an organization is delivering is to visit it, whether in the US or overseas.  Contact us, or the organization’s director to explore this.

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