Celebrating
Years of EMpower
This year, EMpower proudly celebrates 25 years—a quarter of a century of partnering with local organisations in emerging market countries and other change-makers to enable marginalised young people to transform their lives and communities.
Explore our major milestones over the 25 years and learn more about our unique funding model.
Committed to centring young people in our work, most of the photos on our website are by and of young people.
The Latest from EMpower
A Word with Patricia Ahn
EMpower President and CEO Cynthia Steele recently spoke with Patricia Ahn, EMpower US Board Director and a seasoned Institutional Equity Sales professional at Goldman Sachs. They discussed what motivates her philanthropy, how finance professionals connect with EMpower's mission, and how being a parent shapes her view on youth development.
Read the full interviewStrengthening Capacities, Sharing Knowledge: EMpower’s Approach to Amplifying Local Impact
In our latest blog, Caitlin Mitchell, EMpower’s Senior Manager, Impact & Partnerships, reflects on how strengthening local organisations isn’t an add-on to our work — it’s central to it. By walking alongside our partners and supporting their capacity, we help ensure that impact is not just achieved but sustained.
Read the blogJourney Around the World 2025 Is Underway!
From May 20 to June 20, our global community is stepping up with bold, fun, and meaningful challenges to raise $30,000 for marginalised young people. Every step, sprint, and story helps fund life-changing education, job training, and mental health support through our local partners.
Join the journey25 Events in 2025: US and Dubai Annual Dinner
On May 8, EMpower’s 2025 Annual Dinner lit up New York City with energy, emotion, and purpose. It celebrated 25 years of impact and reaffirmed our shared commitment to young people around the world. On the same day, we also hosted our first-ever Annual Dinner in Dubai, marking an exciting new chapter in our global journey.
Learn MoreAdam Heuman writes for Professional Wealth Management on ‘Buying the Dip in Global Philanthropy for Long-Term Returns.’
In a world where global development funding is shrinking, adopting an investor’s mindset in philanthropy can drive sustainable, long-term change. Read insights from Adam Heuman, EMpower's Vice President, Global Development & Marketing, in Professional Wealth Management: Buying the Dip in Global Philanthropy for Long-Term Returns.
Read the full articleEMpower Impact to Date
Since 2000, we have worked alongside local organisations and young people to advance innovative programming and best practices to enable youth to live their full potential.
1,609
Grants Made
$58.4 Million
Awarded
1 Million
Youth Directly Impacted
3 Million
Lives Touched
Our Areas of Focus
Publications
Learning Together
Our Adolescent Girls Learning Communities in Mumbai and Delhi—safe spaces where girls can come together and be in the driver’s seat—recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. This toolkit features the voices and expertise of these girls and includes practical and actionable guidance for individuals and organisations planning girl-centred programmes. It includes fresh ideas on how to create and sustain programmes that enable girls to lead, in their own lives and in their communities.
Connect with EMpower
Stay up-to-date on the latest EMpower news, highlights from our grantee partners, upcoming events, and more.
Make a Difference with EMpower
Our Board Directors and the Leadership Council underwrite all of our Management, General and Fundraising expenses, so 100% of your donation goes directly to empowering marginalised young people.
