About
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Founded in 1864, it is the longest-running girls' leadership organization in the United States, working directly with and on behalf of girls through a national network of local affiliates in the U.S. and Canada. Through the Girls Inc. Experience, professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, supportive pro-girl environments, and research-informed programming designed to change the trajectory of girls' lives and prepare them for lifelong success.
Mission
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Its vision is powerful girls in an equitable society.
What they do
- Direct service through local affiliates: mentorship, supportive spaces, and evidence-based programs that equip girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create positive change in their lives and communities
- Pro-girl environments that encourage girls to be themselves and take healthy risks in order to learn and grow
- Advocacy and education: working with and for girls to advance policies that help overcome social and systemic obstacles to their success
- The Girls' Bill of Rights, reflecting the organization's commitment to helping girls grow up healthy, educated, and independent
- National headquarters support: thought leadership, research, and resources for the affiliate network
History
Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War. Across 160 years it has continuously adapted to the evolving challenges facing girls, always working in partnership with schools and communities. The early girls' clubs carried the same core values the organization holds today: welcoming, supportive gathering places where girls learn in sisterhood, and a belief that every girl can develop strong character, build self-confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
Scale and impact
- 75 Girls Inc. affiliates operate across the United States and Canada
- Affiliate partnerships serve almost 120,000 girls
- Outcomes reported by the organization include: 70 percent of Girls Inc. girls participated in an organized sports team in the past year, 89 percent like coming up with new ways to solve problems, and 87 percent believe it is important to be an active and informed citizen
Financials
According to IRS filings compiled by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, the national organization, Girls Incorporated (EIN 13-1915124, New York, NY), reported total revenue of about 18.7 million dollars, total functional expenses of about 17.3 million dollars, and total assets of about 69.4 million dollars for fiscal year 2024. Local affiliates file separately.
Governance
Girls Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered at 120 Wall Street, New York, NY. It is governed by a national board of directors and led by a staff leadership team, with annual reports and financials published on its website.
