About
Vital Voices Global Partnership is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit founded in 1997 that invests in women leaders solving the world's greatest challenges. Operating on the belief that nations and communities cannot move forward without women's voices in leadership positions, the organization describes itself as a venture catalyst: it identifies women with bold visions for change and provides long-term support to help them scale their impact.
Mission
Vital Voices invests in women leaders taking on the world's most pressing problems. Rather than single interventions, the organization builds sustained partnerships with women changemakers, providing the resources, networks and visibility they need to expand their work over time.
What they do
- Practical skill-building, strategic planning assistance, storytelling support, and market and audience development for women leaders
- Fellowship programs that provide long-term investment in individual leaders
- The Global Leadership Awards, recognizing extraordinary women leaders worldwide
- Mentorship initiatives connecting emerging leaders with established ones
- Speaker bureaus that amplify the voices of women in its network
History
Founded in 1997, Vital Voices has spent more than 28 years investing in women leaders addressing global challenges. The organization emerged from the recognition that sustained partnership — not one-off programs — is what enables women changemakers to scale their impact.
Scale and impact
Vital Voices has directly supported more than 51,000 women leaders across 197 countries and territories. Alumnae of its programs include Nobel Peace Prize laureates, prime ministers, U.S. Youth Poet Laureates and social entrepreneurs. The organization operates from its global headquarters at 1509 16th Street NW in Washington, DC, and holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.
Financials
According to IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Vital Voices Global Partnership (EIN 52-2151557) reported total revenue of $17.7 million and total expenses of $17.9 million for fiscal year 2025, with total assets of $53.8 million and net assets of $28.8 million. The organization has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity since 1999.
Governance
Vital Voices is led by President and CEO Alyse Nelson and governed by a volunteer board of directors chaired by Kate James. The executive team includes a chief financial officer and vice presidents overseeing technology and innovation and the organization's global network.
