Join Project Redwood
Connect with GSB Alumni Working to Alleviate Poverty
- Meet and be inspired by innovative, committed social entrepreneurs working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for underserved populations across the globe.
- Make a tangible, lasting difference by helping people rise from poverty.
- Leverage your time and dollars by working with other like-minded GSB alumni.
Since its inception, Project Redwood has granted over $4.5 million in catalytic capital to organizations to advance projects around the world. Many grantee organizations also benefit from the expertise and advice of our members. Combined, these resources have helped, and continue to help, almost 1 million people improve the quality of their lives.
The financial and non-financial support we provide comes entirely from our members and partners.
- Members give a minimum annual donation of $250 or actively volunteer for Project Redwood
- Partners give a minimum annual donation of $2,000 or more
Either way, we encourage you to participate in the annual review of potential grantees and join any of our committees that oversee our organization and directly engage with our grantee organizations.
Learn More
Have Some Time?
When you donate to Project Redwood, know that your philanthropic dollars are leveraged by the time contributed by Project Redwood volunteers. If you are able to offer some time, there are many ways to become involved. You can propose a project or offer support for our grantees through one of the committees. Details below.
Propose a Project
Project Redwood considers project applications that are sponsored by a GSB alum. The sponsor proposes a project that fulfills the Project Redwood mission.
Sponsors then help potential grantees complete the Project Redwood application and act as liaisons between the applicant and our Grant Review committee to handle any needed follow-up during the application evaluation process.
If a project is funded, the sponsor relationship continues through project completion with the sponsor helping to identify non-financial resources and ensuring that the grantee submits timely mid-year and final status reports.
Sponsors are also encouraged to participate in the Community of Grantees and Sponsors, a forum for grantees and sponsors to collaborate and engage in topics of common interest.
Click here to find out more about our GRANT APPLICATION AND REVIEW process.
Grant Review Committee: Finding and recommending projects
Laura Power ’80 and Mike Fitzgerald ’90 Co-Chairs
Requesting and evaluating projects that fit Project Redwood’s criteria and effectively using our funds is a rewarding endeavor. The Grant Review Committee (GRC) convenes over a four-month period during each annual grant cycle. Its members review, vet, and assess project proposals during that time. The GRC makes recommendations to the Board regarding the best-fitting grant applicants.
Committee of Grantees and Sponsors: Fostering Collaboration
Gail Schulze ’80, Chair
This committee provides a forum for grantees and their sponsors to:
- ensure understanding of Project Redwood’s grant requirements and reporting obligations, and enhance connections among grantees and Project Redwood
- collaborate and engage in topics of common interest and share best practices and lessons learned that may help others
- have a virtual opportunity to learn and contribute to Project Redwood’s grantees.
Evaluation Committee: Measuring Impact
Laura Fratt ’88 and Joe Hamby ’80, Co-chairs
This committee oversees grantee reporting and evaluates the results of each project. Project Redwood places a high priority on the efficacy and impact of our grant dollars. The committee evaluates the success of each project relative to the goals identified in their grant applications and the impact of projects on their communities.
Communications Marketing and Technology Committee (CMT): Sharing our stories
Stacy Williams ’13 and Beth Charlesworth ’83 Co-Chairs
The CMT members develop and implement marketing strategies and tactics. The communications members create communications for sharing information about Project Redwood, our grantmaking, and the impact of our grantees’ successes. As a “virtual” and data-dependent organization, the technology members keep us functioning efficiently.
Welcome and Engagement Committee: Finding a good fit
Rick Agresta ’80, Chair
Project Redwood welcomes all GSB alumni. This committee meets one-on-one with each new member to help them find their best place in the organization that fits their interests. This committee also helps leverage our impact and support the school’s mission: “Change Lives, Change Organizations, Change the World“ by directing Project Redwood’s coordination with the GSB.
Development Committee: Raising money to fund projects
Carol Head ‘80, Chair
The Development Committee works year-round to raise funds to support our grantees. Simply put – “no money, no mission”.
Other Task Forces and Board Committees
US Poverty Task Force: Ann McStay ’80 and Carla Williams ’80, Co-Chairs
This task force is a platform for building awareness among PRW members of the impact of poverty in the U.S.
People Committee: Mike Fitzgerald ’90 and Bill Westwood ’80, Co-Chairs
The People Committee recommends Officers, new Board Members and Committee Co-Chairs; develops a pipeline for leadership roles; oversees volunteer engagement and recognition programs.
Finance Committee: Bill Houston ’94 and Mike Watt ’80, Co-Chairs
Support the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to assure Project Redwood’s financial soundness. The Committee develops and oversees systems and procedures to assure the accuracy of recording and reporting PRW finances in support of PRW’s charitable mission, strategic initiatives and growth.
Work on an Initiative: Ad Hoc committees are formed when Project Redwood seeks to address a particular issue. These initiatives are typically short-term and have specific goals.