The Global Fund for Children

Global Fund for Children (GFC) has partnered with more than 1,000 community-based organizations worldwide to help children and youth reach their full potential and advance their rights. From its inception over 30 years ago, GFC has filled a gap in philanthropy by providing small organizations with flexible, long-term support. As an intermediary funder, GFC plays a valuable role as a bridge between funders and grassroots groups, moving resources, shifting decision-making power, and forming deep long-lasting connections to catalyze systemic change. Since 1994, GFC has supported more than 1,000 local partners to reach more than 11 million children. GFC partners address complex challenges that young people confront, with work aligning with six broad focus areas. GFC also operates Global Fund for Children Books, which has produced more than 30 award-winning titles for children from birth to age 12.

In 1990, on a hot and dusty day in Bhubaneswar, India, Maya Ajmera stepped off a train and was struck by an unusual sight: a group of children and a teacher sitting in a circle, completely engrossed in simple learning exercises. She learned that the children lived, played, and begged on the train platforms, and that a local organization offered them free education, clothing, and food, helping them develop a sense of self-worth and the confidence to determine their own futures. Seeing this inspired Maya to create Global Fund for Children in 1993, with support from Echoing Green. Her approach was based on the belief that small amounts of money, when given to innovative, community-based organizations, could make a real, lasting impact on the lives of children and youth facing adversity. In 1997, the train platform schools – called Ruchika Social Service Organization – became GFC's first local partner. Since 1996, Global Fund for Children Books has developed over 30 award-winning titles.

Intermediary funder acting as a bridge between funders and grassroots groups.

• Global Fund for Children Books

  Has produced more than 30 award-winning titles for children from birth to age 12.

1. 1Homepage - Global Fund for Childrenglobalfundforchildren.org
2. 28 Things to Know about Supporting Healthy Masculinities in Boys and Young Men - Global Fund for Childrenglobalfundforchildren.org
3. 3About us - Global Fund for Childrenglobalfundforchildren.org
4. 4Founding story - Global Fund for Childrenglobalfundforchildren.org
5. 5The Global Fund for Childrenwikidata.org