Frequently Asked Questions

Can my organization apply for a Girl's Best Friend Foundation (GBF) grant?

Does my organization have to apply for funding each year?

Does GBF fund only programs for girls?

Our organization is outside the Chicago metropolitan area. Can we still apply for GBF funds?

What is the difference between a Girl's Best Friend and Sisters Empowering Sisters grant?

Can I volunteer with GBF?

Can I donate to GBF?

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Can my organization apply for a Girl's Best Friend Foundation (GBF) grant?
The first step is to review GBF's getting started section of the web site. This section outlines GBF's eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, the second step is to speak with a Program Officer. If your program is a good match for GBF, you will be invited to submit a full proposal.

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Does my organization have to apply for funding each year?
Yes. GBF grantees reapply for support each year. Current grantees do not need to submit a Letter of Intent before submitting a full proposal. Current grantees will receive an invitation to submit a proposal to the core grant cycle from which they are currently receiving funding.

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Does GBF fund only programs for girls?
Usually, but not always. Girl's Best Friend Foundation was created to help girls and young women grow to be strong women by recognizing the power in their voices and the value of their ideas. Most of the Foundation's grantees are girl-specific programs and projects because mixed-gender settings often do not take into account the different needs of boys and girls. Girls' needs must be met for them to develop their full potential. GBF has funded mixed-gender programs and consider new ones if they meet all the eligibility criteria listed in the How to Apply section of this site.

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Our organization is outside the Chicago metropolitan area. Can we still apply for GBF funds?
As of October 2002, Girl's Best Friend Foundation supports programs only in the Chicago metropolitan area. However, if your project directly affects girls in the Chicago metropolitan area, you may be eligible for GBF funds. Contact the Foundation prior to submitting a request.

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What is the difference between a Girl's Best Friend and Sisters Empowering Sisters grant?
GBF grants provide up to $15,000 per grant for positive girls' programs in Illinois. Applications for funding are reviewed by GBF staff and board. Sisters Empowering Sisters (SES), a program of GBF, provides a total of $30,000 each year to programs created by girls for girls in the Chicago area. Foundation staff train young women, 14 to 18, as grantmakers to review and award the SES grants. These grants range from $100 to $3,000.

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Can I volunteer with GBF?
Volunteer opportunities are not available through the Foundation. However, our grantees depend on volunteers and have a range of programs. Review our Grantees list to find a program that may interest you. Contact information is listed for each organization.

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Can I donate to GBF?
GBF does not accept donations from outside sources. However, if you would like to contribute to the work of GBF, we encourage you to donate directly to our grantees that depend on individual as well as other sources of support to run their programs for girls.