The Iris Project
Enabling young people to protect and restore nature in their local communities.
Our work
We find and invest in community-based organizations and individuals around the world that shift social norms, policies, and practices to foster lasting change for children and youth. Our work spans four regions and is organized into six intersecting thematic areas. Our initiatives include multiple community-based organizations tackling similar issues to maximize the opportunity for peer learning and collective action. We believe that our partners are the experts on their communities, contexts, and the children they serve.
Thematic focus areas
All Focus Areas
Educating and Safeguarding Ukrainian Children
Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Ukraine
Ukrainian children and youth continue to require lifesaving services and essentials as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues. Global Fund for Children supports a network of community-based organizations across Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Moldova that are providing long-term assistance to children and families.
Investing in Youth Social Action in England
United Kingdom
Global Fund for Children supports four community-based organizations in Bradford, England that are providing opportunities for boys and young men to engage in meaningful social action in their communities while creating spaces for them to explore the role of masculinities in their lives.
Increasing Opportunities for Children with Disabilities
India, Thailand
This initiative supports four local organizations empowering children with disabilities in India and Thailand by increasing their access to education and healthcare.
Girls Experiencing Migration (GEM)
Guatemala, Mexico, United States
We support a cohort of civil society organizations that are committed to protecting the safety and rights of adolescent migrant girls in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States.
Fostering Youth Leadership in Thailand
Thailand
We work with a group of organizations in Thailand who are dedicated to preventing the trafficking of children, providing safety to refugee children, and ensuring their access to education, healthcare and protection by promoting youth leadership and elevating the voices of young people.
Exploring Masculinities in England
United Kingdom
This pilot collaboration brings together six community-based organizations across England to engage boys and young men in exploring gender and masculinities and to create positive social change.
U muuk´il xch’ ́uupalo’ob/ Iniciativa La Fuerza de las Niñas / Strength of Girls Initiative
Mexico
Global Fund for Children supports a diverse network of 10 grassroots organizations based in Yucatan, Mexico that promote the rights and agency of Mayan girls and adolescents and increases their access to opportunities and services.