The A Glimmer of Hope Foundation was founded by Texas-based philanthropists Philip Berber and Donna Berber to reduce extreme poverty in rural Ethiopia. In 2010, Philip and Donna were ranked #7 by Barron's in its list of '25 Best Givers' in the world, and dubbed as "capitalist crusaders," by the New York Times Magazine. From 2001 to 2010, the foundation had funded more than 4,000 projects throughout the country. A Glimmer of Hope also runs a local program within Austin for at-risk youth and senior citizens.
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Founding
A Glimmer of Hope was founded by the Berbers in 2000 using $100 million in proceeds from the sale of online trading company CyBerCorp to Charles Schwab. The foundation uses a business-based model, with the goal of being a self-sustaining charity. The foundation is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and runs a national office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Programs
By 2007, A Glimmer of Hope had distributed just over $24 million for the construction of water wells, veterinary clinics, and schools in Ethiopia. Additionally, A Glimmer of Hope allocated $5 million in 2003 for programs in Austin, Texas. One of the foundation's most notable Austin programs is the annual "Camp Glimmer," a seven-week summer program for under-privileged youth.
Partners
A Glimmer of Hope works with a number of partners in providing relief internationally. Among the foundation's supporters are: