FIRELIGHT FOUND ATION

A growing number of grassroots organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa use communitybased
solutions to effectively address the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and families.
The Firelight Foundation is committed to making sure that these organizations receive
the attention they deserve. Our outreach activities strive to raise awareness, inspire
action, and increase the funds available for this important work.
PROGRAMS
Through events and publications, Firelight offers friends and supporters virtual access
to remote locations, enabling them to learn how grassroots groups ensure the future
of their communities by strengthening the safety net for children. Showing the impact
of small grants given directly to community-based organizations, Firelight’s Public
Awareness and Donor Outreach activities help donors participate in an effective form
of philanthropy.
PUBLICATIONS
In April 2004, Firelight published and distributed its first annual report. Annual
Report, First Four Years: 2000-2003 offers a comprehensive overview of our work and
programs and has been a resounding success with grantees, foundations, donors, and
the general public.
Our 2004 annual calendar, entitled
Children’s Rights, was distributed to
Firelight donors, peer organizations, and
grantee-partners. Each calendar month
used images of children and caregivers
to highlight a different need or right of
children.
In November 2003, we produced our first video, Stories from Kenya, featuring the
achievements of a Firelight grantee-partner, the Rural Education and Economic
Enhancement Program (REEP) of Butula, Kenya. The video tells the story of a
grassroots organization transforming a rural Kenyan community. Through the
words of REEP’s director, staff, volunteers, community members, and youth
participants, viewers learn about the programs, including income-generating
activities, home-based care, and school assistance, that have made a difference in
the lives of many children and their caregivers. The video was a team effort, filmed
and produced by Firelight Board Member Jim Hayes with the help of co-founder
David Katz and others.
Ann McCarten-Gibbs, Co-Founder
and former Executive Director of Youth
Philanthropy Worldwide