We are EMpower

The Emerging Markets Foundation is a global philanthropy focused on at-risk youth in emerging market countries. With a world-wide community of supporters, we strategically invest in vital, local organizations who work to empower youth.

Learn About What We Do

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

The Latest from EMpower

9th Annual Champions of Youth Dinner in NYC a resounding success!

IkamvaYouth, our longtime grantee partner in South Africa, was honored as part of an exciting evening!

EMpower Joins Principal to ring the NASDAQ Opening Bell!

SEE THE NEWS

Spark and Ignite Award Winners Announced

The 7th Round of Awards granted an all-time high of $94,000 to EMpower grantee partners that focused on engaging boys and young men in programming to empower adolescent girls.

Citi’s e for education raises $6.25 million!

In it's 5th year, Citi e for education is a sensational success, benefiting 7 philanthropic organizations including EMpower!

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EMpower awarded 4 Stars by Charity Navigator!

We are thrilled to have attained the coveted 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency!

805

Grants Made

$25M

Awarded

388K

Youth Directly Impacted

1M

Lives Touched

Help make a difference today

We focus on at-risk youth

Young people are a critical resource in emerging market countries. As a sizable part of the population, they play a key role in their countries’ futures, yet many live in poverty, facing discrimination, violence and exclusion. We focus on three areas crucial to youth development–livelihoods, education, and health and well-being– so that young people have the opportunity to realize their potential.

Livelihoods 85 million young men and women are estimated to be unemployed, nearly half of all the unemployed worldwide.

Health & Well-being Half of all new HIV infections occur among young people between 15 and 24 years of age, with young women facing infection rates 1.6 times higher than young men.

Education When a girl receives 5 years of schooling, her future children are 40% likelier to live past age 5.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE EMPOWER YOUTH

Partnership with Impact

We currently have more then 100 active grantee partners in 15 EM countries. Find out how they are making a significant difference.

FEATURED GRANTEE PARTNER

Amandla EduFootball
South Africa

Amandla EduFootball’s sports, leadership and life skills, and community empowerment programs work to prevent at-risk young people from joining gangs or becoming involved in other criminal or violent activities; provide information on health risks such as drugs and HIV/AIDS; and ensure regular school attendance. Young participants learn to respect boundaries and authority, and to become responsible and active members of society. AEF is also shaping the wider community to create a safe learning and living environment.

Our Global Reach

Stories of Change