EMpower—The Emerging Markets Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,958,149 (FY2023)
• Total Awarded Since 2000: $58.4 million in 1,609 grants
• Grant Range: $43,000 - $165,000+ (typical single-year grants)
• Geographic Focus: Emerging market countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Turkey, and Russia
• Partnership Duration: Up to 10 years of support
• Application Process: By invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

US Headquarters: 106 W. 32 ST, The Yard, New York, NY 10001 Phone: +1 212-608-4455 Email: us@empower.org Website: https://empowerweb.org

UK Office: c/o Cape Ann Asset Management, 1 Duke's Mews, London, W1U 3ET Phone: +44 203 488 7516 Email: uk@empower.org

Hong Kong/Singapore Office: Room 12112, 10/F, YF Life Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Email: kh@empower.org and sg@empower.org

India Office: WeWork, Eldeco Centre, Block A, Shivalik Colony, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, 110017 Email: india@empower.org

South Africa Office: A37 Katherine and West, 114 West Street, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2031

Overview

EMpower—The Emerging Markets Foundation was founded in 2000. Based in New York City with offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Delhi, and South Africa, EMpower partners with local organisations in emerging market countries to enable marginalised young people to transform their lives and communities. Since inception, the foundation has awarded $58.4 million in 1,609 grants to 224 organisations, directly impacting the lives of 1 million youth and touching 3 million lives overall.

EMpower operates with a distinctive funding model where Board Directors and the Leadership Council underwrite all management, general, and fundraising expenses, ensuring 100% of donor contributions go directly to programmatic work with marginalised young people. EMpower emphasises long-term partnerships, providing up to 10 years of flexible funding support as long as mission alignment continues and grantees demonstrate results, accountability, and learning.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

EMpower provides a progressive partnership model with three stages:

• Initial Programmatic Support: Typically 12-month grants for programme-specific work
• Multi-Year Programmatic Support: After several years of successful partnership, grants may extend to 2-3 years
• General Operating Support: Long-term partners (up to 10 years total) may receive flexible general support

Recent Grant Examples:

• Chicas en Tecnología (CET), Argentina: First grant to enable 60 marginalised young women (ages 17-23) to acquire programming and life skills for IT sector employment
• Africa Queer Youth Initiative, Nigeria: $43,000 (first grant) to help 10 young LGBTQI+ people increase self-esteem and establish sustainable livelihoods
• Suna ve İnan Kıraç Vakfı (SVİKV), Turkey: First grant to develop girl-centred programming reaching 150 young people and 100 caregivers
• Streets International, Vietnam: $55,500 for 12-month vocational training in culinary arts and hospitality for 56 young people
• Red Nose Foundation, Indonesia: $43,000 for learning programmes supporting 900 primary school students and entrepreneurship for 20 young people

Priority Areas

EMpower invests in programmes across three interconnected priority impact areas aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Economic Well-Being (SDGs 1 & 8)

• Vocational skills training and employability programmes
• Life skills development for meaningful work
• Entrepreneurship support for young people
• Engagement with local economies and job placement

2. Safe, Healthy Lives (SDGs 3 & 5)

• Physical and mental health support
• Gender-based violence prevention and response
• Mental health programming for adolescents
• Safe spaces for LGBTQI+ youth

3. Inclusive Learning (SDG 4)

• K-12 and STEM education programmes
• Quality education access for marginalised youth
• Critical thinking and leadership development
• Gender equity in education

Target Population:

• Youth ages 10-24 who are most vulnerable, living in poverty and/or precarious circumstances
• Emphasis on gender lens and empowering young women and girls
• Focus on emerging market countries where communities are marginalised from economic growth

Organisational Requirements:

• Organisations must have existed for at least three years
• Must employ a gender lens focused on empowering young people
• Must have diversified funding sources
• Organisational budget between $70,000 and $3 million per year
• Strong organisational capacity and demonstrated results

What They Don't Fund

• Organisations in developed/high-income countries
• Large international NGOs or organisations with budgets exceeding $3 million
• Standalone research or advocacy projects without direct programming
• Religious proselytisation
• Organisations without a gender equity focus
• Organisations that have not been operating for at least three years

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

• Cynthia Steele - Outgoing President and CEO (with EMpower since 2005)
• Nisha Dhawan - Incoming CEO; Vice President, Impact and Influence (with EMpower since 2012)
• Deborah Leaver - Vice President, Programmes
• Adam Heuman - Vice President, Global Development & Marketing
• Suvidha Hughes - Vice President, People & Operations
• Frehiwot Tarekegn - Vice President, Finance

Regional Programme Directors

• Anusha Naicker - Regional Programme Director, Africa
• Daniel Parnetti - Regional Programme Director, Latin America
• Marat Yu - Regional Programme Director, East and Southeast Asia
• Heera - Director Programme, India

Board Leadership

EMpower maintains three regional boards in New York, London, and Hong Kong/Singapore, plus an India Advisory Council. Board members are predominantly professionals from financial services, particularly emerging markets trading, asset management, and investment banking.

US Board Chair: James Donald (Portfolio Manager/Analyst, Lazard Asset Management, Board since 2010)

UK Co-Chair: Swatee Deepak (Social justice and philanthropy leader, Board since 2020)

Hong Kong/Singapore Co-Chairs:

• Aleem Jivraj (Chief Operating Officer Global Markets, Nomura, Board since 2016)
• Aasha Pai (Philanthropic Adviser/Global health consultant, Board since 2012)

Notable board members include representatives from Goldman Sachs, Citi, Barclays, Société Générale, PIMCO, Wellington Management, and other major financial institutions, reflecting EMpower's unique model where the financial services community underwrites operational costs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: EMpower does not accept unsolicited grant applications or requests for funding.

EMpower proactively identifies and reaches out to potential partner organisations through its own research, networks, and field presence. The foundation describes taking "a holistic approach in working with partners" and emphasises "identifying strong partner organisations who are leaders within the nonprofit space."

Organisations cannot submit applications unless specifically invited by EMpower staff. The foundation's Regional Programme Directors actively research and monitor organisations working in their regions and initiate contact when they identify strong potential partners whose work aligns with EMpower's mission and criteria.

Getting on Their Radar

While EMpower does not accept unsolicited applications, organisations working in emerging markets with youth ages 10-24 can position themselves to be noticed:

Regional Networking:

• EMpower has offices and staff in New York, London, Hong Kong/Singapore, Delhi, and South Africa. Organisations should be aware of which EMpower office covers their geographic region
• The foundation's Regional Programme Directors actively work in their regions: Africa (Anusha Naicker), Latin America (Daniel Parnetti), East/Southeast Asia (Marat Yu), and India (Heera)
• EMpower staff attend sector conferences and events related to youth development in emerging markets

Building Visibility:

• Organisations that are recognised leaders in their local nonprofit space are more likely to come to EMpower's attention
• Partnerships or collaborations with other EMpower grantees may lead to referrals
• Strong organisational capacity, demonstrated results, and commitment to gender equity are critical
• Publishing impact data and sharing programmatic learnings through sector platforms can increase visibility

Contact Strategy:

• Organisations may contact the EMpower office nearest to them or covering their geographic region to introduce their work, though this does not constitute a formal application
• Focus communications on organisational impact, youth outcomes, and alignment with EMpower's three priority areas
• Be prepared to demonstrate at least three years of operational history, budget between $70,000-$3M, diversified funding, and strong organisational capacity

Decision Timeline

For invited partners, EMpower's grantmaking follows a structured timeline:

Grant Review Cycles:

• EMpower's US, UK, and Hong Kong/Singapore Boards each hold grant approval meetings typically 1-3 times per year
• Regional Programme Directors work with invited organisations to develop grant proposals between board meetings
• The foundation conducts due diligence including organisational capacity assessments, financial reviews, and programme evaluations

Initial Partnership:

• First grants are typically for 12 months of programmatic support
• Organisations demonstrate results over the initial grant period while building partnership with EMpower staff

Long-term Partnership Development:

• After several years of successful single-year grants, organisations may be invited to apply for multi-year programmatic funding (2-3 years)
• Partners demonstrating exceptional results, strong organisational capacity, and deep mission alignment may eventually receive negotiated general operating support
• Maximum partnership duration is 10 years, after which organisations "graduate" from EMpower support

Success Rates

Not applicable - EMpower does not accept open applications, so traditional success rate metrics do not apply. The foundation carefully selects organisations to invite for partnership based on extensive research and vetting before formal grant proposals are developed.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - EMpower's model focuses on long-term partnerships with invited organisations rather than repeated application cycles. Organisations that successfully complete initial grants are typically invited to continue the partnership through subsequent grant stages over time.

Application Success Factors

What EMpower Looks For in Partner Organisations

Organisational Criteria:

• Operational Track Record: At least three years of organisational history demonstrating consistent programming and results
• Right-Sized Budget: Annual organisational budget between $70,000 and $3 million (not too small to absorb capacity-building support, not too large to need EMpower's level of funding)
• Gender Lens: Clear focus on empowering young women and girls, or explicit gender equity framework in all programming
• Diversified Funding: Multiple funding sources showing organisational sustainability and ability to leverage EMpower's investment
• Local Leadership: Organisations led by people from the communities they serve, with deep contextual understanding

Programmatic Alignment:

• Direct Service to Youth Ages 10-24: Programmes must directly serve young people in the critical transition from childhood to adulthood
• One or More Priority Areas: Clear fit with Economic Well-Being, Safe/Healthy Lives, and/or Inclusive Learning
• Comprehensive Approach: Recognition of the interconnectedness of education, health, and livelihoods rather than single-issue programming
• Demonstrated Impact: Evidence-based programming with clear outcomes and ability to measure youth-level change

Partnership Readiness:

• Capacity for Growth: Organisational openness to capacity building, learning, and potentially scaling programmes over time
• Results Orientation: Systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning; willingness to adapt based on evidence
• Accountability: Strong financial management, transparent governance, and commitment to reporting
• Relationship Building: Interest in long-term partnership (up to 10 years) rather than transactional funding relationship

EMpower's Distinctive Partnership Approach

EMpower emphasises that "real change takes time and trust." The foundation's model differs from traditional grantmaking:

• Patient Capital: Willingness to support organisations through challenges and growth over 10-year timeframes
• Flexible Funding: Progression from restricted programmatic support to general operating support as partnerships deepen
• Beyond Financial Support: Capacity building through workshops, site visits, connections to other funders, linking partners to experts, and facilitating peer learning among grantees
• Network Benefits: Access to EMpower's global network of current partners and board members from financial services sector

Red Flags That May Prevent Partnership

• Organisations with budgets below $70,000 (may lack capacity to absorb support) or above $3 million (may not need EMpower's level of funding)
• Absence of gender equity focus or unwillingness to adopt gender lens
• Operational history less than three years
• Single-source funding with no diversification strategy
• Weak monitoring and evaluation systems
• Resistance to capacity building or organisational learning
• Focus on advocacy/research without direct service programming
• Religious organisations engaged in proselytisation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation Only: Do not submit unsolicited proposals. EMpower proactively identifies partners through research and networks in emerging markets.

• Long-term Vision: EMpower seeks 10-year partnerships, not one-off grants. Organisations should be prepared for deep, sustained engagement including capacity building.

• Geographic Focus: EMpower exclusively funds organisations in emerging market countries (Latin America, Asia, Africa, Russia, Turkey). US-based organisations are not eligible unless working directly in these regions.

• 100% Programme Funding: EMpower's board covers overhead, so all donated funds go to programmes. This commitment to efficiency is central to their identity.

• Youth Ages 10-24: The specific age range is non-negotiable. Programmes must directly serve adolescents and young adults in this developmental window.

• Gender Lens Required: All partners must demonstrate commitment to gender equity and empowering young women and girls, regardless of programme focus area.

• Financial "Sweet Spot": Organisations with annual budgets between $70,000-$3M are ideal. This ensures partners can absorb capacity building support while genuinely benefiting from EMpower's funding level.

• Build Regional Visibility: Since EMpower proactively identifies partners, becoming a recognised leader in your sector and geography increases chances of being noticed by Regional Programme Directors.

• Network Through Current Partners: Connections to existing EMpower grantees may lead to referrals and introductions to foundation staff.

• Focus on Results and Learning: EMpower values accountability, monitoring/evaluation capacity, and organisational commitment to learning and adaptation over time.

References

• EMpower—The Emerging Markets Foundation official website: https://empowerweb.org (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower "How We Do It" pages: https://empowerweb.org/how-we-do-it/empowering-youth-through-grantmaking (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower Areas of Focus: https://empowerweb.org/areas-of-focus (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower Board of Directors: https://empowerweb.org/about-us/board (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower Staff page: https://empowerweb.org/about-us/staff (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower Contact Information: https://empowerweb.org/contact-us (accessed November 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Empower Emerging Markets Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/30529005 (accessed November 2025)
• Cause IQ - Empower-The Emerging Markets Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/empower-the-emerging-markets-foundation,030529005/ (accessed November 2025)
• Inside Philanthropy - Emerging Markets Foundation profile: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/grants/empower (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower news: "EMpower Awards $321,500 in Six Grants to Partners in Asia": https://empowerweb.org/news-events/news/empower-awards-321500-in-six-grants-to-partners-in-asia (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower news: "UK Board Approves the Biggest Grants Docket in EMpower's History": https://empowerweb.org/news-events/news/uk-board-approves-the-biggest-grants-docket-in-empowers-history (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower news: "EMpower US Board Awards Its Highest Amount Ever in Grants": https://empowerweb.org/news-events/news/empower-us-board-awards-its-highest-amount-ever-in-grants (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower UK Audited Financial Statements FY2024: https://empowerweb.org/assets/uploads/reports/UK_-_FY_24_Signed_financials.pdf (accessed November 2025)
• EMpower Reporting & Financials page: https://empowerweb.org/about-us/reporting-financials (accessed November 2025)