Across Virginia, different groups are helping young girls discover their potential and thrive. Whether it’s through sports programs, philanthropy groups or mentorship initiatives, these organizations are creating safe spaces for girls to grow, lead and dream big.
Nonprofits like Girl Power Grants, Girls with Goals Foundation and HER Sports are empowering the next generation to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
HER Sports: Changing the Narrative for Girls in Sports
HER Sports empowers young women through athletics, promoting healthy habits, building confidence and addressing the high dropout rates of girls in sports — twice the rate of boys by age 14.
Founder Jessica Carter credits her involvement in sports for shaping her resilience and strength, and she’s dedicated to providing the same opportunity for others. Since 2020, HER Sports has supported more than 500 girls in central Virginia through inclusive programs like clinics, workshops and mentorship programs.
The organization recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special event at Charlotteville’s Paramount Theater, which included the “Tunnel Walk Fit,” in which each girl confidently walked the runway; a special performance by Lady Taij; and recognition of community leaders who support youth athletics. This milestone event showcased HER Sports’ dedication to breaking stereotypes and promoting representation in sports.
Guided by values like hustle, unity and leadership, this nonprofit fosters a culture that empowers girls to become their best selves.
Get involved here.
Girl Power Grants: Unlocking Potential Through Collective Giving
Founded in 2015 by Morgan Rhudy and some of her middle school friends, Girl Power Grants began as a simple, yet ambitious, idea: if grown women could create a giving circle, why couldn’t young girls do the same?
Inspired by Impact 100, Morgan set out to prove that young women could make meaningful contributions to the community. Over the past nine years, Girl Power Grants has awarded more than $100,000 in cumulative giving to Richmond-area nonprofits, empowering its members with skills in philanthropy, leadership and teamwork.
“I hope each young woman realizes the power within herself,” said Addison Rhudy, Morgan’s sister and the organization’s executive director since 2020. “Our greatest objective is to empower good people to do good things because you are never too young to make an impact.”
Each year, the Big Give Event culminates the group’s work by awarding one organization with a $10,000 grant. This year’s grantee was The McShin Recovery Resource Foundation, which officially took GPG’s giving program to the $100,000 mark after 10 years as an organization.
Addison describes watching members grow and speak at the event as the most rewarding part of her role. As GPG evolves, its mission remains clear: empowering young women to lead with confidence and passion.
Learn how to support Girl Power Grants here.
Girls with Goals Foundation: Positively Impacting Young Women
Lisa Michelle Church, founder of Girls with Goals Foundation, was inspired by her daughters and granddaughters to create a space where girls can explore their creativity, think outside the box and grow into confident leaders.
“When I started, I just wanted to help my daughter,” said Church. “But as time went on, I realized we could do more because the need was there.”
Through initiatives like mentorship programs and community events, the foundation builds personal accountability and self-esteem in young women. The foundation focuses on making a meaningful difference in each girl’s life, regardless of how many they reach.
Last month, the foundation hosted a special 5k run in Virginia Beach, bringing together a supportive, intergenerational community.
“We had grandparents running with their grandkids,” Church said. “We also honored someone we lost to cancer with special pins.”
Each year, the foundation develops a thoughtful curriculum that addresses what’s happening in the current world and provides tools to navigate it. Girls with Goals Foundation strives to help every young woman live her purpose, build leadership skills, gain confidence, become resilient and feel empowered.
Help empower tomorrow’s leaders here.
