Girl Scouts of Northern California (GSNorCal) announced in October that it received its largest donation to date from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott for $4.9 million. This record-setting donation was part of a larger gift of $84.5 million to Girl Scouts of the USA and to 29 Girl Scout councils, the largest gift in Girl Scouts’ history.
“We are so very grateful and honored by MacKenzie Scott’s investment in girls’ well-being and leadership,” said Marina Park, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California. Marina, who announced in March that she will be retiring by the end of 2022, after 15 years as the first CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California.
“This incredible gift comes at an important time for Girl Scouts, for girls and gender-expansive youth, and for our communities,” said Park. “More than ever, youth need opportunities to connect with each other, with caring adults, and with nature, and everyone benefits when youth are engaged and leading change in our communities. I am delighted that our next CEO will begin her journey with this transformational gift.”
Makenzie Scott’s generous gift will amplify the impact of the time, talent, and dollars that so many members of the community give each year to support youth in GSNorCal.
“We are thankful for all of the volunteers, partners, donors and cookie customers who support our mission, to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place,” added Park.
This gift comes as NorCal Girl Scouts is continuing on its path to recovery from the pandemic and wildfires. The August 2020 Santa Cruz Mountain CZU Lightening Fire burned GSNorCal’s largest resident camp.
This generous gift will allow GSNorCal to invest in the following areas:
- Improve support for volunteers, expand programs for Girl Scout youth, and nurture diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- Provide equitable access to Girl Scout programs, including outdoors and camps for those living in low-income communities.
- Investing in safeguarding the outdoor experience for girls, including enhanced wildfire resilience.
Girl Scouts of Northern California volunteers, community partners, and staff support over 25,000 girls and gender-expansive youth in 19 Northern California counties that stretch from Gilroy to the Oregon border, through troops, programs, and camps. They provide safe and brave spaces, where everyone is welcome and there is no room for hate.
In the words of 2023 Girl Board Participant, and high school junior, Srija: I am grateful that MacKenzie Scott recognizes how important Girl Scouts is for girls and our community. Girl Scouts has helped me develop an entrepreneurial mindset, real-world skills, and self-confidence. Ever since I joined Girl Scouts, I have formed valuable friendships, learned about who I am and what my goals are, and measured my growth as a leader. I am excited that this gift will help increase the number of activities offered and camp opportunities for Girl Scouts. Thank you, MacKenzie Scott, for this generous gift; it’s something that will positively impact all the girls of Girl Scouts of Northern California for years to come!
NorCal Girl Scouts invites youth, parents, caregivers, volunteers, community partners, and philanthropists to learn more, join their community, and invest in girls’ well-being and leadership. www.gsnorcal.org
