Girl's Best Friend Foundation (GBF) closed November 2007. 
GBF’s records are archived with Special Collections of the University
of Illinois, Chicago.  In fall 2008, they will be made public: www.uic.edu/depts/lib/specialcoll.

Our Philosophy

GBF takes a stand about how to nurture the ideas, voices, and action of young women and girls:

Our place in philanthropy is one of advocate, partner, and leader.

• gender-conscious practices
• girls' leadership
• focus on strengths and potential -- not weaknesses or needs
• girls development and activism
• comprehensive safe space

Our foundation funds feminist social change in a high-engagement manner, which means we try to know and be known by grantees and that our support includes more than just grants. 

Because of our philosophy of focused grantmaking, we offer longer commitments to grantees and provide funding for more than just programs and organizations:

• grants for the local landscape of girls/youth development and activism
• staff development
• management and organizational development
• evaluation

GBF is committed to risk-taking, respectful work with others, and we hold ourselves accountable for broad inclusiveness, and continuing reflection and learning.

We rely on organizational practices that promote feminist social change:

• power-sharing between family members and the majority of community Board members
• Board and staff development
• convening outsiders to inform our activities
• periodic, focused self-evaluation
• collaborating with others
• applying our values to our work