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 Vivien Teu
EMpower President and CEO Cynthia Steele recently spoke with Vivien Teu, Partner and Head of Asset Management & ESG at Dentons Hong Kong, about the ever-evolving ESG landscape, staying grounded in times of uncertainty, and what gives her hope about EMpower’s work and impact.
Read the full interviewWhy Legacy Giving Matters: Investing in the Next 25 Years of Empowering Youth
In our latest blog, EMpower’s Director of Development in the US, Robin Barnes, reflects on the transformative power of legacy giving. It’s not about the size of your estate—it’s about the impact your values can have long after you’re gone.
Read the blogHappening Today!
On 17th April, our President and CEO, Cynthia Steele, will speak at an exciting session on championing youth centrality in livelihoods and skilling on the sidelines of the ECOSOC Youth Forum. It’s a hybrid event, so join in from wherever you are!
Register NowEMpower at Skoll World Forum 2025
On 2nd April, EMpower co-hosted a side event at the Skoll World Forum alongside the Oxford Martin School. The session 'Young People and Community-Led Change' centred on a vital question: what if we put funding directly into the hands of young people? EMpower’s Adam Heuman spoke about our commitment to directing smart philanthropic capital to girls and youth, emphasising that they are the true experts in their own lives
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.
1,650
Grants Made
$61 Million
Awarded
1 Million
Youth Directly Impacted
3.6 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.
