Gap Inc. and Girls Inc.: A Great Fit - A Powerful Partnership

At Girls Inc., we are proud of our solid corporate partnerships, particularly with companies engaged in innovative community investment efforts, such as Gap Inc. Through a variety of initiatives, Gap Foundation -  Gap Inc.’s social investment arm – goes beyond writing checks and leverages the time and talent of Gap Inc.’s more than 134,000 employees to make an impact in the community. 

In the past year, Girls Inc. senior staff participated in the Gap Inc. Leadership Initiative (GILI). GILI helps nonprofits become more effective by teaching leadership development skills. Gap Inc. employee volunteers designed the program based on training programs used to develop Gap Inc.’s own executives. Members of Gap Inc.’s HR and Learning & Development departments worked with nonprofit advisors to tailor the training for the nonprofit audience. The three Girls Inc. senior staff members involved in GILI are gaining new skills and knowledge and building professional networks through their participation in this program. Additionally, Gap Inc.’s legal department volunteers its time to offer community partners free legal counsel. For instance, Girls Inc. met with four Gap Inc. attorneys with different areas of specialization to review the legal health of the organization and ensure its compliance with by-laws. Girls Inc. continues to benefit from on going consultations focused on employment policies and procedures.

Gap Inc. senior executives also give back to their communities and many make a difference in the community by service on nonprofit boards. Gap Foundation provides the infrastructure to support Gap Inc. staff in finding an organization that matches their skills, interests, and passion. Through this board match program, Girls Inc. connected to its’ newest board member: Gap Corporate Counsel, Pamela Dobie Key.

Most importantly, Girls Inc.’s partnership with Gap Foundation has provided life changing internships for our girls. The Foundation also promotes career exploration through visits from professional women who help our girls prepare for adulthood and their careers.  

"Girls Incorporated of Alameda County has been a wonderful community partner to Gap Inc,” said Jeff Shum, from Gap Foundation. “This partnership has extended beyond simply funding Girls Inc. of Alameda County. We have placed two Gap Inc. leaders in board positions, hosted Eureka! Interns, and coordinated volunteer activities between Gap Inc. employees and Girls Inc."

Girls Inc. has benefitted enormously from Gap Foundation’s hands-on approach to community investment. Gap Inc. volunteers have given countless hours, assisting us in programs and events and providing expertise to strengthen our staff and infrastructure. Finally, Gap Foundation has enhanced our abilities to support each girl to become strong, smart, and bold…and THAT’S what it’s all about!