Since launching an emergency appeal for funds in May 2012, more than 75 people in the CorStone community have stood with us in support. Together, you’ve helped us to stabilize basic operations and undertake preparations for the launch of our Girls First program this September in India.

In just 60 days, we’ve raised nearly $130,000 from individuals, as well as two foundation grants. And thanks to your efforts, Facebook content associated with our page was seen more than 7,400 times within just one week of the appeal!

We’re now confident that with the support we've received to date -- and the solid discussions currently underway with respected institutional foundations in the US and in India -- that we have taken an important first step on our way back to financial stability and solid growth in 2013.

Thank you!

And now, we’re so close…we need to raise just $30,000 by August 15th in order to launch Girls First without delay. The first cohort of 500 adolescent girls in several urban slums is ready to begin the program in September 2012!

Please consider a donation to our Girls First program today. Unless we reach our goal of $30,000 we will be forced to suspend launch of the program. Every dollar counts! Your entire donation will go directly towards supporting program costs in the field.

Girls First will provide badly needed training in mental and emotional health, reproductive health, gender-based violence, and leadership skills -- all taught in peer support groups led by local community women and teachers that are trained and certified by CorStone. Our goal is to reach 50,000 girls in poverty in 3 years, at a cost of just $50 per girl to complete the program. Girls First is low cost, measurable, and sustainable -- and we know it works!

Help us launch Girls First with our first cohort of 500 girls in Fall 2012! 

Here’s how you can help:

1. Give the largest gift your heart allows. Give $25, $100, $1,000, $10,000, or all $30,000 — no amount is too small or too large.

2. Forward this link to five friends. Choose wisely! I believe we all know who would like to help if given the opportunity. Give them the chance to be part of this movement and make a genuine difference.

3. Start your own fundraising page to raise money for CorStone using Crowdrise. Form a team and set a goal. Just click "Join Team" at right to get started!

4. Get in touch—with us, with each other, and with our girls in India. Post words of encouragement onthis page, our Facebook page, your own Facebook wall, or send us an email. Tell others why you donated. We need your help to get the word out! Call us (415.388.6161) and ask us how else you can get involved!

On behalf of CorStone—and the girls and young women whom we serve—thank you so very much for your emergency contribution today. Together, we can improve the health and education of thousands of adolescent girls and young women in poverty!

CorStone is a US registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and your donation is 100% tax-deductible.

Photo Credits: Laura Kudritzki Photography. All Rights Reserved