Insights
September 22, 2026
International Day of the Girl: A Giving Collection
In Philanthropy, Women and Wealth
The United Nations designated October 11 as the International Day of the Girl, which “focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.”
Coldstream’s Women & Wealth Committee is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their financial lives, and that includes helping girls access the tools and resources they need to fulfill their potential and find success as entrepreneurs, investors, mothers, leaders, and mentors. For the International Day of the Girl, we want to celebrate and elevate a few nonprofits that we know are delivering meaningful support for girls and women around the world.
We asked Coldstream staff to share the nonprofit organizations they are passionate about that are working to empower girls and women around the world, and we are pleased to share this collection with you. We hope that women (and men) across the globe will honor the International Day of the Girl by offering their support to girls and women in whatever manner they are able. This collection represents just a handful of global nonprofit organizations focused on helping girls and women; there are many more out there to be discovered. We encourage readers to use this as a starting place and let your passion lead you in any direction you so choose. We look forward to the day when all girls are afforded the educational and financial opportunities that will allow them to fulfill their dreams and make their mark.
Read here or continue reading below:
Snohomish Shock Softball
https://www.snohomishshock.com/
“The Snohomish Shock Softball Club is a select softball program for youth ages 8-18. The goals of the program are to develop individual skills of young female athletes while stressing the values of hard work, team play and sportsmanship.”
I’ve gotten involved in (assistant) coaching my daughter’s teams, including this select softball team. We have a female head coach who is passionate about helping kids, and I’ve gotten to know and enjoy these young girls over the years. I love coaching and being involved—we are busy most nights, but I always look forward to working with our girls—it truly fills my bucket. Sports help shape a person and we’re not only teaching technical skills but also focus on the mental and emotional aspects of soccer, basketball, and in this case, softball, building confidence and resilience in a world where we navigate pandemics, social media, and many other pressures.
Nominated by:
Alexandra Lambert
Director of Client Service
Barefoot College
“Barefoot College International puts skills and technology in the hands of marginalized women who become entrepreneurs, train others, and live sustainably.”
Barefoot College trains women to become solar engineers to bring reliable energy to the remotest parts of Africa and Central America. This not only provides steady income for the women, it ensures children have light by which to study in the evenings, and eliminates the need for coal-burning fires in huts (the prior source of energy in the homes), which reduces respiratory ailments. It also trains women to start businesses of their own in their communities, and provides life skills training to women and children, including health and wellness and financial literacy.
Barefoot College notes that studies show that when women have money, they invest in their families. This organization improves the quality of life for individual families, which in turn raises up the entire community.
Nominated by:
Alicia Follmer, CFP®
Senior Wealth Management Associate
Savvy Ladies®
“Savvy Ladies® equips women with free financial advice and guidance. Championing the advancement of self-reliant, financially educated women.”
I am passionate about Savvy Ladies® because its mission addresses one of the most powerful drivers of independence and opportunity: financial confidence. Throughout my career in wealth management and financial planning, I have seen firsthand how financial knowledge can change lives—helping people make informed decisions, navigate major life transitions, and build a more secure future. Yet I have also seen how access to trusted financial guidance remains uneven, particularly for women who may face unique economic challenges throughout their lives. Savvy Ladies® is helping close that gap by providing free, accessible financial advice and education that empowers women to take control of their financial futures with confidence. What inspires me most is the organization’s commitment to serving all women and helping reduce both economic and racial disparities in financial education. The impact is tangible: with more than 7,000 women already submitting questions through the Savvy Ladies® Free Financial Helpline, the organization is meeting a real and growing need. By creating a safe, supportive environment where women can ask questions, gain knowledge, and receive unbiased guidance, Savvy Ladies® is helping build a future where more women are financially educated, self-reliant, and empowered to achieve their goals. I am proud to support a mission that creates lasting change not only for individual women, but for their families, communities, and future generations.
I am sponsoring their annual gala in the name of Coldstream. Here are the details on the event: Savvy Ladies 2026 Gala Benefit THE POWER OF YOUR VOICE Join Savvy Ladies for an inspiring evening of connection and impact, dedicated to empowering women through financial confidence, education, and access to trusted guidance. The Power of Your Voice Gala Benefit brings together leaders across industries, all united by a shared commitment to advancing financial wellness and opportunity for women. Monday, October 26, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Nominated by:
Anne Marie Stonich, CFP®, CPA
Chief Client Experience Officer
Girls On The Run®
https://www.girlsontherun.org/
“Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.”
Girls on the Run® is a program that I’ve been watching and been interested in for over 20 years. Their mission is to give girls the skills they need to build their confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discover the joy of movement. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to enable participants to adapt to whatever comes their way.
At one point, I looked into starting a chapter in the city where I was then living. At the time, I had a two- and four-year old and it wasn’t plausible for me to create a 501(c)(3) and market the group. Instead, I started a running program at the elementary school and coached cross country and track for the girls JV team at our local high school. The change that I saw in confidence as the young women realized that they could go from struggling to run a mile to easily covering three miles while slowly improving their speed expanded to far more than just running. I saw it spill into peer relationships, classes, and other sports. Additionally, after a mile or so, when endorphins and other positive physical chemistry kicked in, the girls began to share important concerns, achievements, and stories. I watched as trust grew not only between us, but also with their teammates. The same growth in self-confidence and resilience occurs for the girls who participate in GOTR. Life lessons are covered in each gathering, so that the power and strength that comes from running is also transformed into power and strength in how they face life’s challenges. Learning these skills early can positively change the trajectory of the participants’ lives.
Nominated by:
Carolyn Grabiel, FPQP®
Senior Client Service Associate
La Alianza Guatemala
“The Alliance offers shelter and comprehensive protection to victims of trafficking and sexual violence, as well as to children and adolescents in situations of migration , and to young mothers and their babies, from a human rights, intercultural, and gender perspective. The Alliance aims to guide them toward a process of progressive autonomy and economic independence.”
Nominated by:
Erin Rottler
Client Service Associate
Mayan Hands
“Mayan Hands is a fair-trade nonprofit dedicated to providing economic and educational opportunities to Maya women and girls, so that they can build sustainable futures for themselves, their families and communities, as they continue to live within the culture they cherish.”
I am passionate about this organization because I love the artisan crafts of Latin American countries. They are a representation of culture and tradition I think we should preserve and support. Organizations like Mayan Hands make it possible to keep these traditions alive and give the women a fair pay for their work.
Nominated by:
Jasmin Garcia, PMP
Marketing Manager
International Justice Mission (IJM)
“IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.”
Human trafficking and sex trafficking is a huge issue globally: nearly 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery worldwide. International Justice Mission partners with local justice systems around the world to strengthen communities, rescue victims, and restore survivors. Everything begins with freedom. For me, the most important thing we can do for girls and women is to work to protect their freedom from trafficking, slavery, and exploitation.
Nominated by:
Jillian Perkins,
Senior Communications Manager
Dress for Success Oregon
https://oregon.dressforsuccess.org/
“Dress for Success Worldwide is the leading resource for advancing women in the workplace globally. Our purpose is to empower women to achieve economic mobility by providing a global network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success.”
I learned about Dress For Success Oregon many years ago from a client who volunteered there frequently, but I got to know their programs more intimately through a collective giving circle that I am a member of called 99 Girlfriends in Portland. Women’s economic empowerment is at the heart of Dress For Success’s mission. They aim to empower women to gain and maintain stability, and achieve self-sufficiency by providing a network of support, clothing and professional attire, and the development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. I feel specifically aligned with their focus on reducing barriers to stability and well-being for women and families facing economic and social challenges, such as the interconnected areas of childcare, health system navigation, and food access. They are working on expanding their co-working space that includes child-care, free wi-fi, focus rooms and an opportunity to work alongside their community and professional women volunteers.
This organization has many programs that are 100% volunteer run—check them out!
Nominated by:
Katelyn Spangler, CFP®
Wealth Manager
Mary’s Place
https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/
“Ensuring that no child sleeps outside by centering equity and opportunity for women and families: we envision a community where all families have safety, stability, and housing.”
Mary’s Place has the vision that “no child should sleep outside,” and over the years, I’ve been able to partner with this organization both personally and through Coldstream’s Philanthropy Committee to see the difference they’re making for women, children, and families. It’s no secret that Seattle has a large homeless population, and Mary’s Place focuses on solving this with their three-pronged approach: mobile outreach, emergency family shelter, and homelessness prevention.
Our team has done a lot of work with their “prevention” line; with our annual “Make-a-Home” event, where we furnish an apartment for a family from the ground up in one day and stage it for them to walk into. Typically, it’s a mother and her children looking for a sustainable way to escape homelessness or a dangerous relationship, and any help with upfront costs to stay in a new space goes very far. There’s nothing more moving than seeing a family step into their new space, filled with furniture, household staples, and a pile of new toys.
The experience has a way of putting things in perspective. You start to notice how much you take for granted: a table for family dinners, a bathtub to bathe your child, a safe place to sleep each night. And you’re reminded how fragile stability can be—a single medical emergency or unexpected setback can upend a family’s housing and leave lasting trauma for the children involved. Mary’s Place works to address homelessness from every angle, ensuring that the families who come through their doors leave with a sustainable path forward.
Nominated by:
Katie Berntson, CFP®
Wealth Manager
Raising Girls
https://www.raisinggirls.org/about
“Raising Girls addresses hygiene insecurity and period poverty by providing essential products to students and young adults in the Puget Sound area. As a trusted community resource, we partner with schools and local organizations to distribute care bags to those in need. We believe that timely and reliable access to hygiene and period supplies is vital for the health and well-being of our young people.”
Raising Girls partners with schools in the South Puget Sound area to provide period products and hygiene care items to students and young adults of all genders. Period insecurity can prevent a young person from attending school or feeling confident. Raising Girls believes everyone deserves access to essential hygiene supplies like toothpaste, deodorant, and soap. Through their distribution of care bags and collaborative efforts, the organization strives to foster a community where dignity and respect are central. They are dedicated to listening and learning from diverse voices and continuously improving their services to meet their evolving needs.
Nominated by:
Larissa Vidal, CFP®
Wealth Manager
Plan International
“We stand with girls to tear down barriers, save lives and build a world where equality for girls leads to progress for all.”
Plan International supports every part of a girl’s journey, not just one piece of it. From reproductive rights and protection from violence, to education and providing health, nutrition and clean water, Plan International works alongside girls, their families, communities and governments to ensure they can have a quality education, stay safe, and shape their own futures.
Nominated by:
Mackenzie Fenner
Marketing Specialist
Girls Who Code
“We’re reaching girls around the world and are on track to close the gender gap in new entry-level tech jobs by 2030.”
Girls Who Code is an international non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology by teaching computer science, bravery, and sisterhood. They have free summer programs and after-school clubs for 3rd-12th grade students held in-person or online. Girls Who Code focuses their work not only on gender diversity but also on young women who are historically underrepresented in computer science fields, specifically girls who: come from underrepresented minority groups, including African American/Black, Hispanic or Latina, Bi/ Multiracial, Native American/Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander; come from low-income backgrounds, specifically free and/or reduced lunch-eligible; or have had a lack of exposure or access to computer science. My younger sister helped start a club at her high school and still maintains connection with students in the local community as a mentor.
Nominated by:
Monica Tran, FPQP®
Senior Operations Associate
Bethanie’s Room
https://blanchethouse.org/portland-womens-shelter-bethanies-room/
“Bethanie’s Room is a new overnight emergency women’s shelter providing safety and support for women 18 years or older in Portland. Funded entirely by private donors, the shelter is owned and operated by Blanchet House. There is space for up to 75 women per night.”
Nominated by:
Ryland Moore
Business Development Officer & Wealth Manager
Girl Scouts of Western Washington
“Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability.
Supported by adult volunteers and mentors right here in our community, as well as millions of alums around the globe, Girl Scouts lead the way as they discover who they are and how they can make the future a brighter place.”
Girl Scouts holds a special place in my heart because it provides girls with a safe, welcoming environment where they can be themselves, grow, and thrive. The organization’s mission to build courage, confidence, and character is more important than ever, giving girls the tools they need to navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and become future leaders. Girl Scouts creates opportunities for girls to develop important life skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection within their communities. As a parent, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact Girl Scouts has had on my daughter. Through her troop, she has formed lifelong friendships with girls who support, encourage, and uplift one another. These relationships have helped her build confidence in herself and inspired her to pursue her dreams and aspirations. The dedication of troop leaders and the positive influence of fellow troop members create an environment where girls learn the value of teamwork, kindness, and leadership. I am passionate about this organization because it not only empowers individual girls but also helps create a generation of strong, compassionate leaders who are ready to make a difference in the world.
Nominated by:
Sarah Jacobson
Office Manager
Girls Inc.
https://www.girlsinc.org/ Local (PNW) chapter: https://www.girlsincpnw.org/
“We equip girls to reach their full potential and stand in solidarity with them so they can overcome obstacles and limitations. We’re the longest-running girls’ leadership program, evolving with girls to help them meet any challenge and seize every opportunity.”
I have been supporting Girls Inc. since I became aware of them shortly after my own daughter was born in 2000. Girls Inc. is a well-established national organization with an over 80-year history and many local chapters (including here in the Pacific Northwest). What initially drew me to them as a mother of a young girl was/is their drive to provide leadership opportunities for girls, and a mission statement focused on female empowerment: “inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold”. I am passionate about building confidence in educational contexts, and I believe strongly in the power of mentorship. Girls Inc. has built successful programs across its chapters connecting girls with positive mentors, leadership forums, and STEM-focused educational opportunities. The long-time growth of this nonprofit organization speaks to its continued relevance and impact.
Nominated by:
Tonia Steed
Office Administrator
Girls on the Run® Puget Sound
https://www.gotrpugetsound.org/
“Girls on the Run® has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.”
REST
“We exist to expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope in order to end sex trafficking.
Roughly 2,000–3,000 women, men, and children are currently being exploited in the greater Seattle and King County area, and over half of them are experiencing homelessness or in unstable housing. Last year, over 600 individuals reached out to REST for services, seeking support and a path out of the sex trade. This highlights the urgent need for resources and assistance for victims and survivors of sex trafficking.”
Convoy of Hope
https://convoyofhope.org/initiatives/womens-empowerment/
“When women participate in the Convoy of Hope Women’s Empowerment program, the cycle of poverty is broken. With your help, Convoy partners with women as they start their own businesses and support their families. Empowering women and girls to advocate for themselves creates opportunities that last for generations.”
Nominated by:
Vonie Bright, CFP®
Wealth Manager
Girls Build®
“Girls Build® is a non-profit organization based in Portland, OR, inspiring curiosity and confidence in girls through the world of building. This is accomplished through hands-on summer camps and after school programs for 8 – 15 year olds throughout Oregon.”
Girls Build® holds workshops/summer camps for girls on how to build; build things, build confidence, build character, build lifelong skills, build a career, build the world! I feel this is such an important initiative when constant media and social-media messaging to our girls is focused on directions that are not always uplifting or inspiring. Our girls can do anything!
Nominated by:
Yvette Weisend
Wealth Management Associate
None of the information provided here constitutes an opinion or a recommendation or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any particular security nor make donations to any particular organization. Information drawn from third-party sources believed to be reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy, timeliness, or completeness. Coldstream materials are not intended to provide, and should not be construed to constitute, complete accounting, insurance, investment, legal, or tax advice.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ and FPQP® are trademarks or registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning in the United States and/or other countries.
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