Unprecedented Gift Supports Reimagination of Girl Scout Experience to Expand Opportunities
HARTFORD,Conn., Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) announced a $2.4 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to GSUSA and 29 local councils selected by Scott making this the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization's history.
"We are extremely grateful for MacKenzie Scott's gift to Girl Scouts of Connecticut. This is a tremendous accelerator for our ongoing efforts to help girls cultivate the skills to lead in their own communities and globally," said GSOFCT CEO, Diana Mahoney. "Before MacKenzie Scott began her giving initiatives, only 1.9% of annual giving has benefitted women and girl-focused organizations. It's critical to invest in girls' futures through Girl Scouts, the pre-eminent leadership development organization for girls."
This gift to Girl Scouts of Connecticut will strengthen leadership opportunities for Connecticut girls with an expanded focus on career readiness and mental wellness. GSOFCT will also increase equitable membership opportunities in communities that are under-engaged. This includes Diversity Equity Inclusion and Racial Justice initiatives, reimagining the troop experience model to break down accessibility barriers, and partnering with families and communities to holistically support the well-being and development of all girls.
Girl Scouts is transforming the leadership landscape for girls with a plethora of programs that provide countless opportunities for girls to develop essential skills needed to meet tomorrow's challenges.
"We hope that this amazing display of generosity inspires others to donate during the charitable giving season, as investing in girls is vital to economic development, social progress, and public health, improving not only individual lives, but the fabric of society overall," adds Mahoney. "We're excited to demonstrate how MacKenzie Scott's investment in girls will change the world - because when one girl succeeds, we all succeed."
Serving over 18,000 youth and 9,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Connecticut has a presence in every community in the state. Each new investment enables Girl Scouts of Connecticut to become a convener, harnessing the leadership skills of generations to come.
About Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit http://www.gsofct.org.
Media Contact
Alisa Picerno, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, 8608691509, [email protected]
SOURCE Girl Scouts of Connecticut
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