#USA #New York #Girl Scouts #Lilly Endowment #Character Development

Girl Scouts Receives $30 Million Grant

The Girl Scouts of the USA has been granted a remarkable $30 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. This funding aims to enhance initiatives that foster character development in girls throughout the nation, paving the way for them to build self-confidence and recognize their intrinsic value.

This generous contribution will be directed towards expanding the existing character development programs, which are crucial for empowering more girls across the United States. The funding initiative titled "Character Development Through Youth Programs" by Lilly Endowment is designed to help youth-based organizations like the Girl Scouts create, test, implement, and maintain effective strategies that bolster character development in young individuals within their chapters and affiliates.

Girl Scouts of the USA stands out as one of just eight organizations benefitting from this funding initiative, which underscores the importance of fostering personal growth and resilience in young girls.

Through the dedicated network of 111 Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, the organization creates a fun and secure space where girls can explore their interests, identify their strengths, and develop essential skills for navigating life purposefully and joyfully. The grant will facilitate efforts to improve accessibility to Girl Scouts programs, eliminate participation barriers, and enhance cultural competency to ensure equitable service for all girls.

The commitment is clear: girls of every background and ability will have the resources to unapologetically express themselves while simultaneously enriching their character development. Various leadership programs and experiences will empower participants to grow into confident individuals.

"We are incredibly grateful for Lilly Endowment's support and their dedication to helping the Girl Scouts strengthen our character-building initiatives. This funding will significantly expand our reach and impact across the nation, enabling us to fulfill our mission of cultivating girls of courage, confidence, and character who contribute positively to the world," said Bonnie Barczykowski, the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.

Ted Maple, vice president for education and youth programs at Lilly Endowment, expressed the importance of fostering character development among young people from the organization's inception. He stated, "We are encouraged by the strategic approaches that these organizations are adopting to help children and youth develop crucial character traits that will be vital in their future roles within their families and communities."

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation based in Indianapolis. Emerging from gifts of stock in the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, the Endowment operates independently, focusing on community development, education, and religious initiatives.

About Girl Scouts of the USA

The Girl Scouting movement is dedicated to empowering girls to realize their dreams and collectively build a stronger world. With programs available nationwide, they create an inclusive environment where all girls can confidently explore their capabilities and tackle new challenges. Supported by adult volunteers and countless alums, Girl Scouts are encouraged to find their voices and impact issues they are passionate about, demonstrating their leadership skills and commitment to social responsibility.

As the organization continues to evolve and adapt, the significant grant from Lilly Endowment will play an imperative role in expanding the reach of their character development programs, ultimately helping girls across the country thrive.

• ---