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We take a holistic approach. Glimmer brings together the lifesaving projects needed to lift communities out of poverty in rural Ethiopia. Our livelihoods, education and health projects create a powerful force for change. Learn more about our work.

We listen first. Glimmer works in partnership with the Ethiopian people to support the country’s
 own development goals and create sustainable change together.

We promise high return on your donation. 100% of every dollar goes directly to projects in the field. All operating costs are covered by an endowment. With Glimmer, your investment goes farther and creates the most impact. Donate today.

We have deep grassroots expertise in Ethiopia. Our long-term investment since 2000 means we are deeply knowledgeable about how to impact change in Ethiopia. We know the ecosystem of need and we eliminate bureaucracy through our established relationships at every level. We work from the ground up and we stay in our communities until the work is done. Explore our projects.

We pioneer solutions to the biggest challenges facing rural communities. Glimmer looks for the opportunities to bring about the deepest, most effective impacts. In rural Ethiopia, that starts with women and girls who carry the greatest burden of poverty. When we saw girls dropping out at the start of high school, we piloted girls’ clubs to overcome challenges with staying in school while menstruating. We have learned that mothers determine the outcome for their children. Supporting women with stable income opportunities puts food on the table, and providing health care access for every stage of motherhood results in thriving families. See our case study on the impact in one village five years after our work.

We dedicate significant time to understanding where our work is most needed and where the local commitment is greatest. Learn more about our strategic approach.

Our sister organization, Glimmer Austin, was born out of the desire to support and grow innovative, start-up nonprofits serving our hometown of Austin, Texas. In 2003, Donna and Philip Berber saw an opportunity to make a significant impact in the development of Austin’s nonprofit community by identifying new programs with high potential and providing seed capital and mentorship to help them reach their next step.

Glimmer Austin supports innovative solutions to the biggest challenges facing youth and seniors in Austin. Over the past 12 years, Glimmer Austin has awarded $7.6 million in grants to 160 programs. As successful social investors, 95% of organizations funded by Glimmer Austin since 2003 are still serving Austin today. Learn more about how we are addressing the current needs of the most vulnerable communities in Austin at www.glimmeraustin.org.

Glimmer does not accept grant applications or provide donations. We rely on outside funding to implement multi-year programs in rural communities across four regions of Ethiopia. We work with locally-based partner organizations to implement our projects. By focusing on long-term programs in rural Ethiopia, we can create the greatest impact.

While Glimmer does not provide grants, if you are an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit, you may qualify for a seed grant through our sister organization A Glimmer of Hope Austin. Please find more information on the Austin grant application process here.

Glimmer works exclusively in four regions of Ethiopia to implement livelihoods, education and health projects. If your organization works within our geographic and program areas of focus, please send us your information. We will contact you if there is an opportunity for us to work together, but please note that we do not provide grants or donations.