EMpower’s Approach to Grantmaking

We fund grants that fall into four portfolios - education [1], health [2], leadership [3] and livelihoods [4] – key components of the transition to adulthood - that have also been recognized by major international agreements (such as the UN Millennium Development Goals) on development priorities. These four essential building blocks for young people are interrelated. It is rare that one factor alone impedes youth from reaching their potential. For example, young people who go hungry are more likely to have health problems and to have difficulty concentrating in school; and lack of education impedes future work opportunities and the need to work takes many young people out of school. Grassroots, locally run NGOs recognize the importance of addressing youth as whole individuals, not just as a ‘social problem’ or issue to be solved. EMpower believes these organizations are best positioned to develop holistic approaches that address young people’s multifaceted needs which are key to sustainable change.