About
Dress for Success Worldwide is a New York City-headquartered nonprofit that empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a global network of support, professional workplace attire, and development tools. Founded in 1997, it has grown into an international network that describes itself as the leading resource for advancing women in the workplace globally.
Mission
Dress for Success states its mission as empowering women "to achieve economic mobility by providing a global network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success," with a focus on advancing women toward self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
What they do
- Styling and workplace attire: women with a scheduled interview can obtain a referral to visit a local Dress for Success boutique, where volunteers help them choose an interview outfit and provide interview guidance.
- Career development: the organization's proprietary program model includes coaching, clothing, and a continuing network of support.
- Leadership programs: participants are inspired to lead, to advance in their careers, and to give back to their communities, developing skills to initiate social change within their organizations and communities.
- Expanded offerings: programming has grown to include career reskilling, support for entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses, sustainability, and health and wellness programs.
History
Dress for Success was founded in 1997 and has since expanded from its New York origins into an international network. Dress for Success Worldwide, based in New York City, oversees the Global Member Network of local affiliates.
Scale and impact
The organization reports 130 network members (affiliates) operating across 15 countries, which together have helped more than 1.3 million women worldwide since inception. Local affiliates deliver services tailored to their communities, supported by volunteers and corporate partners, and the network invites engagement through donations, volunteering, gift card contributions, and corporate partnerships.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Dress for Success Worldwide (EIN 13-4040377) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose tax exemption was issued in July 1999. For fiscal year 2024 it reported revenue of $14,386,211, expenses of $15,167,490, and net assets of $9,113,606, with contributions accounting for about 97% of revenue.