Ann Bancroft Foundation

The journey of a thousand dreams starts with the support of a caring community! Ann Bancroft, a trailblazer who reached the North Pole, believed that every girl should have the resources to chase her aspirations. Since 1997, the Ann Bancroft Foundation has empowered over 6,000 Minnesota girls to dream big and thrive! Together we raised $20,886 on Give to the Max 2024! Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. A heartfelt shoutout to board members and their spouses, Kelly McNamara & Holly Spoo, Sarah & CJ Strehl, and Veda Pai-Panandiker & Rajesh Udupa, for their generous challenge gift! Together, we are building a brighter future for girl-identifying youth! Didn't get a chance to show your support yesterday? You can still do so at: https://lnkd.in/g77DNhaw

After hosting our inaugural Girlhood Summit on November 2nd, we are vividly reminded of the incredible power of community and collective action. This year, our Give to the Max theme is the “Power of 1000,” a reference to the cornerstone of our traditional grants for all who identify as girls and young women in kindergarten-12th grade. Every gift -- whether $25, $1,000, or more, is consequential and assures girls that they have an entire community rooting them on. Through these grants, our grantees embrace opportunities to explore new interests, pursue their passions, and realize they can accomplish anything they set their minds. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/ewa7a2p https://lnkd.in/g6Yd9Z78

After hosting our inaugural Girlhood Summit on November 2nd, we are vividly reminded of the incredible power of community and collective action. This year, our Give to the Max theme is the “Power of 1000,” a reference to the cornerstone of our traditional grants for all who identify as girls and young women in kindergarten-12th grade. Every gift -- whether $25, $1,000, or more, is consequential and assures girls that they have an entire community rooting them on. Through these grants, our grantees embrace opportunities to explore new interests, pursue their passions, and realize they can accomplish anything they set their minds. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/ewa7a2p https://lnkd.in/g6Yd9Z78

The “Power of $1000” is a reminder that every contribution -- $10, $100, $1000, or more counts! This #GiveToTheMax2024, your donation enables girl-identifying youth like: Niyah, who traveled to Washington D.C. learning about American and world history, and those who sacrificed to make the world a better place. Katherine, who was determined to earn her driver's license. Katherine’s grant covered the cost of ten driver's education classes and three behind the wheel sessions providing greater independence, confidence, and life skills. Today, we join forces in support of Minnesota girl-identifying youth and provide them with opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. Your gift changes lives and empowers dreams. Let’s make it happen! Donate here: https://lnkd.in/ewa7a2p

Coming on the heels of a powerful summit where hundreds of girl-identifying youth gathered, we acknowledge that this election has brought a wave of emotions for many. At the Ann Bancroft Foundation, we remain steadfast in supporting all who identify as young women in speaking up, standing firm, and pursuing a future where their rights and aspirations are fully respected. We’re also particularly inspired by the courage of our grantees who headed to the polls for the first time, showing us the strength and resolve of young voices. Watching so many in our community take this vital step affirms the power of civic engagement and the critical role youth can play. As you navigate this moment, we hope you’ll take care of yourself. Here are a few mental health resources that might be helpful: -- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support. -- Youth Mental Health First Aid: Practical resources and tools for managing stress and mental well-being. Mental Health First Aid: https://lnkd.in/dwy2rAn -- Headspace for Teens: Free mindfulness and meditation exercises. https://lnkd.in/gAUJgS_U We are here to amplify your voices and dreams, and together, we’ll keep building a world that values and supports every girl’s potential. #ForHerFuture #YouthVoices

Don't forget! The Fall grant cycle is still open and accepting applications through October 1st. Do you know a girl-identifying youth with big dreams who would benefit from one of our grant opportunities? Encourage her to apply today! Grants will be announced will be in mid-November. https://ow.ly/yAtf50T535S

Happy Twin Cities Pride Festival Weekend! ????? If you're in the Twin Cities this weekend (6/29 and 6/30), don't miss the Pride Festival! Cheer for this year's Grand Marshal, Carley Knox, President of MN Lynx Business Operations and Ann Bancroft Foundation board member, who tirelessly advocates for diversity, inclusion, and justice. Congratulations, Carley! Also, catch Ann Bancroft Foundation grantee and 2024 Trailblazer Fellow, Hawthorne Oachs, performing on Sunday, June 30 (Loring Stage 11-11:45 am and Rainbow Stage 1-1:45 pm). Hawthorne's bold dream is to share her music with the world and defy the notion that “kids should be seen and not heard.” We are proud to see Hawthorne living her dream!

The #GiftofGirlhood was on full display during our 2024 Annual Celebration! You can still immerse yourself in the magic on our event recap page: https://lnkd.in/gpcJTEFd Watch the inspiring video of our Trailblazer and Event Illustrator, Nat; watch each DreamMaker honoree share their story of impact; hear from founder, Ann Bancroft, on the vision behind the Ann Bancroft Foundation and her inspiration; and find yourself or friends in the event photo gallery. All of you remind us that girlhood is unbounded curiosity. It is fearlessly exploring with your full heart and mind. It is talking to yourself out loud as you build worlds beyond your reality. It is seeing a challenge in your community and having the confidence to do something about it. What a gift to us all to know, witness, and benefit from the dreams girls bring to our world.

Welcome to the board, Sarah Strehl.

The Gift of Girlhood was on full display last night — and we are still speechless from the energy, laughter, tears, and joy of our sold-out celebration event. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all of your support and generosity. What a gift to us all to know, witness, and benefit from the dreams girls bring to our world.