Our Mission…

Since 2006, our programs have used the Ethiopian national sport of running to create safe spaces and supportive social networks that have empowered girls to stay in school, avoid early marriage, and build self-determined futures.

OUR APPROACH…

At GGRF, we know that lasting change doesn’t come from a single solution — it happens when every part of a girl’s life is supported. That’s why our four-part model — running, education, life skills, and economic empowerment for mothers — works as one powerful system. Individually, each element is transformative. Together, they create a force multiplier — breaking cycles of poverty, shifting gender norms, and building communities where girls can thrive for generations. This ripple effect is greater than the sum of its parts, driving sustainable change for girls, their families, and entire communities.

Running builds resilience, confidence, and self-belief. GGRF students learn to set goals, build plans, and practice discipline to pursue their dreams.

Education opens doors to opportunity, equips girls with critical thinking skills, expands their worldviews, and fuels the ambition they need to chart their paths.

Life skills prepare girls to lead, advocate for themselves, and make informed choices. GGRF students learn communication, health and hygiene, rights, and financial literacy.

Economic empowerment through our Mother’s Group creates stability at home and builds generational female role models with the communities we serve.

Where we work…

Our programs are focused in 2 regions of Ethiopia where girls often face challenges accessing and completing secondary education due to early marriage, household responsibilities, and lack of resources. Schools are overcrowded and under-resourced, especially in rural areas. Schools often lack adequate materials and infrastructure like proper bathrooms, teaching staff, and extracurricular programming. Many girls drop out due to economic pressure, domestic roles, or early marriage.

Wolaita Soddo (Southern Ethiopia)

Region: Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR)

Zone: Wolaita Zone

Population: Approx. 150,000+ (urban center)

Language: Wolayttatto (Wolaita language), Amharic

Religion: Predominantly Protestant Christian

Notable Context:

• Soddo is a regional hub for education and healthcare but still experiences economic hardship and gender disparities.

• Gender-based violence and early marriage remain significant risks for adolescent girls.

• GGRF’s self-defense and life skills programs respond directly to the concerns raised by local mothers about their daughters’ safety.

Bekoji (Central Ethiopia)

Region: Oromia Region

Zone: Arsi Zone

Population: Approx. 20,000–25,000 

Language: Afaan Oromo (primary), Amharic

Religion: Mix of Orthodox Christian, Muslim, and Protestant

Notable Context:

• Known as the “Town of Runners” – hometown of Olympic champions like Derartu Tulu, Kenenisa Bekele, and Tirunesh Dibaba.

• Strong cultural legacy of athletics but girls still face barriers to participating fully in sports and education.

• GGRF’s programming taps into the cultural significance of running to keep girls in school and build their confidence.

Our Mothers’ Savings and Entrepreneurship Program empowers the mothers of our Athletic Scholars to build lasting financial security and independence. Upon joining, mothers take part in hands-on workshops in savings and business development, gaining the skills and confidence to take control of their economic futures. They form self-governed savings groups, elect leaders, and set their own monthly contributions, supported by weekly guidance from a female savings group manager.

Within these groups, mothers pitch business ideas, access small loans, and reinvest profits — learning to grow and sustain their ventures. At the end of the year, GGRF matches their total savings with seed funding, accelerating the growth of their businesses. GGRF also provides vocational training tailored to their skills, needs, and ambitions. By investing in mothers, we strengthen the foundation of each household, creating stability that allows mothers to invest in their children's education and build sustainable futures for their families.

Diborah Eyasu: From Scholar to Trailblazer

We are so proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our Athletic Scholars, and Diborah’s story is one that continues to inspire us.

In July 2024, Diborah sat for Ethiopia’s nationwide university entrance exam. Out of thousands of students in the city of Soddo, her score of 560 stood out as the highest of any girl in the entire city. It was a moment of immense pride, not only for Diborah and her family, but for all of us who have had the honor of watching her grow.

Diborah joined GGRF when she was just 12 years old. She was the youngest of 11 children, raised by a single parent, and the resources to focus on her education simply weren’t available at home. Through the GGRF Athletic Scholarship Program, she received the academic support, mentorship, and daily nourishment she needed to thrive in school. She quickly became known for her drive and determination, stepping into leadership roles during Life Skills classes and serving as program secretary. She encouraged younger girls, spoke up for her peers, and embraced every opportunity to learn.

Now 18, Diborah is preparing to take her next big step: attending Addis Ababa University, the top university in Ethiopia, where she plans to study software engineering. Her dream is to create innovative technology that can solve problems in her community and open new opportunities for others.

Diborah’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when girls are given the tools and support to succeed. She is proof that with access to education, mentorship, and a community that believes in them, girls can break barriers, achieve their goals, and transform not just their own futures, but the future of their families and communities for generations to come.

Access to Education: Every Athletic Scholar receives full academic support, including tuition, uniforms, tutoring, and school supplies.

Leadership Development: Weekly Life Skills classes help girls grow into confident leaders who can speak up and take initiative in their schools and communities

Breaking Barriers: In Soddo, Diborah’s record-setting score sends a powerful message — that girls can and do excel at the highest academic levels.

Generational Change: Educating girls has a ripple effect. Studies show that when girls complete higher education, they delay marriage, increase earning potential, and invest more in their families.

With targeted, holistic support, girls like Diborah are not only achieving their dreams — they are reshaping what’s possible for the next generation.

 Mimi, Ebise, and Sifan: Government Camp Recruits!

Mimi Gemachew, Ebise Marega, and Sifan Negusse were selected for government camp at the Deratu Tulu Sport Academy, a huge honor and well deserved recognition of their hard work!

They stay in dormitories and continue their education while gaining access to high-level training, teaching, research, study rooms, a modern gym, and a hall that can accommodate 5200 spectators!

They return to Bekoji for school breaks where they can stay in touch and visit with their families, and the girls and coaches in the Girls Gotta Run program.

We are so proud of these girls continuing to grow their independence and skills while living their dream!

Mebrat the Barber: Journey to Success

Meet Mebrat, the resilient and entrepreneurial mother of GGRF Athletic Scholar Dilnesash Adisu. Based in Soddo, she runs her own barbershop and is part of the first cohort of the GGRF Mothers Savings & Entrepreneurship Group—our program that equips mothers with financial tools, peer support, and training to grow their businesses.

For years, Mebrat offered reliable haircuts with limited resources. But earlier this year, she received a microloan from the group and made a smart investment: purchasing a UV sterilizer to meet hygiene standards and boost client trust.

The results were immediate. Her reputation grew, especially among parents seeking safe, clean grooming for their children. Her client base expanded, she repaid the loan quickly, and reinvested in her shop. Today, Mebrat’s business is thriving—and she’s mentoring other mothers in the group.

Her journey shows the power of opportunity and support. Mebrat’s success uplifts her family, strengthens her community, and inspires other women to pursue their own paths to empowerment.

Asnakech Lagushe: Turning Skills into Sustenance

Asnakech Lagushe, the mother of GGRF athletic scholar Hanna Abdulkedir, has always been a pillar of strength for her family. This year, she took a transformative step forward by participating in GGRF’s vocational training program in Soddo—specifically, a two-part soap-making and entrepreneurship workshop designed for mothers like her.

The training covered both the technical and business sides of soap-making: how to produce high-quality soap from locally available ingredients, and how to package, market, and sell the products effectively. Participants also received hands-on guidance in entrepreneurship, pricing, customer engagement, and managing small-scale finances.

Armed with these new skills, Asnakech began producing and packaging soap from her own home. She now sells her handmade products at local markets, generating a new and reliable source of income to support her household. Her growing confidence, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, has turned a simple skill into a sustainable business.

2024 Revenues

Individual Contributions - 60,727

Corporate & Foundation Grants - 84,738

Events - 104,992

In Kind Support: 13,300

Total Revenues: 263,757

2024 ExpenseS

Program Grants = 82,209

Salaries & Benefits = 68,712

Professional Services = 23,070

Events = 26,522

Travel, Printing, Insurance & Other = 19,998

Total Expenses = 221,084

Change in Net Assets = 47,361

Net Assets, Beginning of Year = 119,239

Net Assets, End of Year = 166,600

Special recognition: Treasurer Jim Scott

As we reflect on the growth and evolution of GGRF, we want to extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Jim Scott, who has faithfully served as our Treasurer since the organization’s founding in 2006.

Jim’s commitment to GGRF has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, he brought not only his financial expertise but also a deep sense of care and dedication to our mission. As the husband of our founder, Patricia Ortman, Jim helped lay the foundation for the systems, structures, and processes that continue to guide our organization today. Behind the scenes, he played a pivotal role in ensuring our financial health, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Now entering retirement, Jim leaves behind a legacy of service that has shaped GGRF in lasting ways. We are profoundly grateful for the generous time, energy, and wisdom he has poured into this work over the past 18 years. His contributions have supported hundreds of girls and families in transforming their lives through education and sport.

Thank you, Jim, for your unwavering commitment, your steady guidance, and the heart you’ve brought to every part of GGRF’s journey. You will always be a cherished part of our story.

At Girls Gotta Run, community is more than a value—it’s the engine of change. Our fundraising and engagement efforts this year have united runners, partners, donors, and adventurers around a shared mission: to empower girls in Ethiopia through running, education, life-skills, and opportunities once thought out of reach. From global virtual events to on-the-ground partnerships, each campaign has magnified our impact and brought us closer to our vision: a world in which every girl can design a future of her choosing.

International Day of the Girl 5K 🌍

One of our signature events is the International Day of the Girl 5K—a global pop-up run that mobilizes supporters across continents. It isn’t just about the miles; it’s about raising awareness, breaking barriers, and raising funds so that more girls can stay in school and avoid early marriage.

2024 NYC Marathon 🏃🏿‍♀️

In tandem, the 2024 NYC Marathon campaign invited runners around the world to join Team GGRF. These athletes carried both their stride and their stories, helping us raise critical support for our Athletic Scholars in Bekoji, Soddo, and beyond.

Project Redwood Partnership 🌲

Our collaborative work continues to fuel transformation through Project Redwood, a partnership providing Life Skills classes for older teen girls still in secondary school. The funding enables learning skills like goal setting, personal finance management, and vocational training to improve their family’s economic well-being. And, it directly impacts the community’s economy, providing a sustainable path out of poverty.

Inaugural Ethiopia Adventure Trip 🇪🇹

And for those seeking deeper connection, our Ethiopia Adventure Trip offers more than a journey—it’s an immersive experience: trekking the hills, visiting our program sites, running the Great Ethiopian Run 10K, and witnessing firsthand the power of hope in motion.

Foundation Donors

We are deeply grateful to the partners whose generosity makes our work possible. The following sponsors contributed $5,000 or more this past year, fueling opportunities for Girls Gotta Run scholars to learn, lead, and thrive. Click on each logo below to learn more about these impactful foundations.

Individual Donors

We are honored to celebrate the individuals whose generosity and spirit helped shape this past year. From making significant gifts to joining us on our first annual Ethiopia Adventure Travel Trip, these top donors went above and beyond to invest in the future of Girls Gotta Run scholars.

Partnership with RealBuzz:

Tapping into Global Fundraising through Marathons

We are thrilled to launch a new partnership with RealBuzz, a platform that connects charities with global marathon events. Through this collaboration, GGRF will gain access to coveted marathon bibs for world-renowned races like the Tokyo, Paris, and London marathons. This allows us to tap into an international network of athletes and supporters who want to run for a cause. By combining sport and philanthropy, we’ll open up new channels of fundraising and awareness, while deepening the connection between our mission and the global running community.

Expansion of Project Redwood:

Vocational Training for Life Beyond School

As we deepen our alumni engagement, we’re expanding Project Redwood—our initiative aimed at preparing GGRF graduates for life after secondary school. In Ethiopia, where youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, it’s critical to equip students not just with academic knowledge but with practical, market-relevant skills. Our goal is to introduce more robust vocational training, career readiness workshops, and mentorship pathways that bridge the gap between graduation and employment or entrepreneurship. This includes exploring opportunities in trades, digital skills, and local industries—ensuring our students are not only educated but employable and empowered.

Strategic Vision for 2025

Combating Ethiopia’s Education Crisis Through Digital Literacy

One of the greatest barriers to employability today is the digital divide—a challenge that disproportionately affects youth in underserved regions of Ethiopia. In the coming year, we’re prioritizing digital literacy as a core element of our curriculum. By expanding access to devices, training in basic computer and internet skills, and incorporating digital tools into everyday learning, we aim to ensure that every GGRF student is prepared for the modern world. Whether pursuing higher education, vocational work, or entrepreneurship, digital fluency will be key to unlocking opportunity.

Engaging the Broader Community in Advancing Gender Equity

We know that true gender equity requires whole-community engagement. That’s why we plan to expand efforts to include boys and men in our gender equity programming. Through workshops, school-based dialogues, and community engagement events, we will explore the role of male allies in championing girls’ education and empowerment. Our aim is to foster understanding, respect, and shared responsibility across gender lines—so that change isn’t just happening for girls, but with the support of their families, peers, and wider communities.

Run For Us

Run in support of Girls Gotta Run by dedicating your next race.

SEE HOW

Volunteer

Ready to make a difference or share your expertise? Volunteer time and skills!

GET IN TOUCH

Fundraise

Raise funds on your birthday, wedding, or special event this year.

JOIN OR START A FUNDRAISER

Shop

Purchase with a purpose. Shop and support Girls Gotta Run Foundation!

SHOP