On Tuesday, October 18, Girl Scouts of the USA announced a $84.5 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous donation to GSUSA and 29 recipient councils, selected by Ms. Scott, is the largest donation from an individual donor in our history and will help accelerate our efforts to inspire the next generation of leaders!
Every donation is a win for Girl Scouts! While GSNI is not a direct grant recipient, this donation will power increased access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in zip codes across the country like ours. We applaud Ms. Scott for supporting tomorrow’s leaders during a time when it’s critical to invest in their futures through organizations such as Girl Scouts.
GSUSA plans to use these funds to shape the Girl Scout Leadership Experience globally with efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, career readiness and mental wellness, and volunteer training.
GSNI is proud that our current efforts align with our national organization’s goals through our Latinas Taking the Lead volunteer program, Black Women Taking the Lead volunteer program, Hispanic Engagement Task Force, Black Girls in Girl Scouts Task Force, Native American Task Force, and other initiatives encouraging belonging. We also provide Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention programming, making Girl Scouts aware of the dangers of human trafficking and equipping them to build a support network of supportive adults and friends. Through recent efforts, we offer a newly revamped first year volunteer experience ensuring new volunteers have everything they need for effective programming, communication, and training.
We hope continuing this conversation about life-changing philanthropic efforts inspires more donations in our own area, so we may continue to provide access to Girl Scouts’ life-changing experiences, mentoring, and programming to even more people in our community.
Locally, GSNI delivers the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with programs like our AmeriCorps-led troops in Aurora, areas of the U-46 school district, Project Opportunity in our Rockford region, and through traditional troops led by our amazing volunteers. Our safe and fun sleepaway camps offer countless opportunities for the beginning camper or the high adventurer. Donors like Ms. Scott and financial champions throughout northern Illinois, who prioritize an investment in Girl Scouts, help break the accessibility barriers of technology, geography, and socio-economic status that stand in the way of anyone who may want to join Girl Scouts.
How can you help GSNI stay in step with our national organization and our sister councils that received funds from this generous donation?
We have many opportunities to donate locally, including GSNI’s First Annual Online Silent Auction, taking place November 18–28. Just in time for the holidays, the auction will include items from Bull Valley Golf Club, Hotel Baker, Rockford Art Museum, and more! All funds will support GSNI’s Financial Assistance program. Also coming up, our Giving Tuesday campaign takes place on November 29. Be sure to visit our Giving Tuesday page for details. You can donate to GSNI at any time on our Donate page or by shopping online with AmazonSmile or DealAid.
If you would like to leave a lifetime gift, GSNI is grateful to anyone who includes us in their legacy giving or as a beneficiary of their estate plans. These donors become members of The Juliette Gordon Low Society and receive special invitations during the year, an exclusive lapel pin, and are listed in select Girl Scout publications. GSNI also offers complimentary assistance with creating a customized, last will and testament, if desired.
If you’re interested in partnering with us in any of these ways or want to discuss new ways to be involved financially, please reach out to our Philanthropy Department at 1-844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.
