About us
After years of experience working with nonprofits across various sectors, the founding Board of Directors for the Gryphon Foundation for Global Change saw a disturbing pattern that seemed to have no solution.
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It is unnecessarily hard and expensive to start and grow a non-profit. We have seen, time and time again, that founders struggle when they lack access to capital or as they navigate complicated bureaucracy. This disproportionately impacts people of color, non-native English speakers, and international NGOs.
Consider that international NGOs and brand new organizations can't even host a simple Facebook fundraiser, no matter how established the organization or how worthy their cause.
Success should be determined by the merit of the vision or the potential impact of the work rather than access to resources or background.
Our Founding Board saw inspiring leaders from humanitarian, educational support, and social justice areas held back by problems that had never been fully resolved, anywhere in the world. Given our many years of collective experience with national and international grant making organizations and non-profit consulting, we knew there was a solution.
So, in early 2024, we took action and started a new non-profit whose purpose is to help those visionaries, and the thousands of others throughout the world, overcome those barriers to entry, support them during their incubation and launch phases, and guide them through expansions.​
WE WERE INSPIRED
Reach For A Dream is a wonderful NGO in South Africa. They seek to alleviate the strain that life-threatening illnesses place on sick children and their families by providing these dreamers with the opportunity to believe in their greatest wish.
The Foundation has been providing dreams to children all around the country for 35 years, but without a US presence, they remain at a financial disadvantage compared to US based 501c3s doing similar work.​​
Masha Fund is another amazing organization committed to supporting women and children in Ukraine who have been affected by violence, including those impacted by the ongoing Russian invasion.
Their dedication to helping people rebuild their lives through psychological support and economic empowerment truly inspired us.
However, the Masha Fund faces a unique challenge: due to the ongoing Russian invasion, it is extremely difficult to work with international contractors or consultants and unlock critically important funding and support.
We were also inspired by American Access Institute, a US based 501(c)3 non-profit committed to empowering at-risk teens, particularly those aging out of foster care, with critical career readiness and life skills.​
However, as a brand new nonprofit, AAI faced the common challenges of incorporation and receiving tax exemption, and the lengthy approval process required to begin fundraising. AAI is an example of how, during those critical first months, founders and their personal networks often have to cover startup expenses out of pocket, creating financial strain and delaying their ability to make an impact - or preventing them from ever existing at all.​
"Living in South Africa as a person with a disability, I've personally experienced the barriers that exist in the nonprofit sector. Being part of The Gryphon Foundation is important to me because we're intentionally breaking down these obstacles and making sure all voices are heard."
Nicole Vergos
Founding Board Director
Our Mission
Our mission is to support diverse visionaries in overcoming the challenges of starting and growing nonprofits by offering a comprehensive suite of resources, training, and financial assistance.
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We are committed to promoting BIPOC and ESL leaders, ensuring that they have access to the tools and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change. Through personalized support, multilingual materials, and a focus on global collaboration, we aim to create a nonprofit sector that is more inclusive, equitable, and capable of addressing the world's most pressing issues.
The Gryphon Foundation for Global Change is redefining how nonprofits are built and sustained.
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We provide comprehensive support — including mentorship, financial aid, and operational support — to help emerging nonprofits thrive. Our model not only accelerates U.S. based organizations but also helps international NGOs establish U.S. sister entities and secure global funding.
Another thing that sets us apart is our commitment to marginalized communities. We offer microgrants and multilingual support, ensuring BIPOC and ESL leaders overcome barriers to create lasting change.
