Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund
Global Fund for Children is pleased to announce the Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund to support our work to power the potential of children and young people around the world.
Named in memory of the founding chair of the GFC UK Trust, the Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund will provide catalytic funding to power GFC’s global network of local grassroots organizations led by change makers focused on creating a future where all children can thrive. Initiatives are focused on education, gender justice, combatting child trafficking, climate action, and mental health.
Global Fund for Children supports more than 300 organizations in more than 40 countries that would be eligible for grants from the Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund. Read about three partner organizations – AVANI, TWEENS Project, and JUVENIS – as examples of the work that the Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund will make possible:
AVANI – India | Mumbai
Led by a former child laborer, Avani supports children and youth who are at risk of being trafficked for labor or sexual exploitation. They create a safety net for rescued child laborers, orphans, and other children in and around Mumbai; building a safer future for them and their families.
TWEENS PROJECT – Zimbabwe | Chipinge
The TWEENS Project empowers young people living in the Tongogara Refugee Camp to break the cycle of poverty in their community. Using education as their primary tool, TWEENS helps children reach their full potential and see a future beyond the refugee camp. The organization provides youth with access to textbooks, computers, and safe study spaces; offers tutoring; and informs young people about educational opportunities including scholarships.
JUVENIS – United Kingdom | London
With an emphasis on serving youth involved in or at risk of criminal behavior, Juvenis helps young people in South London build sustainable futures, by re-engaging with employment, education, or training. Its specialized programs include mentorship for youth in police custody, therapy and life skills training for survivors of domestic violence, an expressive safe space for girls and young women, and individualized support for disenfranchised youth entering the job market.
About Mark McGoldrick (1958-2023):
Mark was a singular figure, a person of immense accomplishment and unbridled heart.
His passing compels us to recognize that his life – bold, strong, and eminently compassionate – has indelibly influenced the lives of all those he encountered, especially the many children around the world who now live better lives because of Mark’s dedication to GFC’s mission. It was at Mark’s urging that GFC launched its UK Trust. Building upon his longstanding relationships in London, Mark brought together the initial resources that got us off the ground. Genuinely curious, immensely generous, alive to the world around him – we thank him and his family for their remarkable generosity and sustained belief in our work.
We are deeply grateful to the seed funders who made the Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund possible:
- Maya Ajmera
- Peter Briger
- Michael Daffey
- Jim Esposito
- John Hepburn
- The McGoldrick Family
- Lance West
Donations to the Mark McGoldrick Futures Fund will be used to support GFC partners and priority projects working to power the potential of children and young people. GFC investments are managed in balanced portfolios and with moderate growth strategies with Board oversight and institutional advisors at Fidelity Investments.
If you have any questions or are interested in contributing to the Fund, please contact Mea Geizhals, GFC Director of Major Gifts, at mgeizhals@globalfundforchildren.org.