About Us

In line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, we’ve been providing scholarships to hardworking youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and creating innovative educational programs and facilities around the globe since 2008.

From the Silicon Valley to Africa

Make A Difference (MAD) Now was founded in 2008 by Theresa Grant. While working in the Silicon Valley, Grant felt a deep calling to give back and make a difference in the world. The calling was so strong, that within a month she sold everything she had and left.

The Journey

She moved to Africa for many years, starting with sending many kids to government schools in Zambia. While many children were being helped, Theresa felt she wasn’t making the real difference she wanted to make. She wanted to figure out how to offer quality support that helped children change the course of their lives and become empowered and self-sufficient. A sustainable difference.

After talking with locals in the community, Theresa learned that quality education played a huge role in helping children get themselves out of poverty. Government schools were lacking in some of their offerings, where private schools had running water, consistent teaching staff, English classes and the environment students needed to be successful in life. The organization shifted to focus on providing private education for children in need, especially those who had been orphaned.

Recently, Make A Difference added a second program focused on skills and business training for young women. This program has proven to be more sustainable for growth.

Make A Difference’s largest presence is in Tanzania, where Theresa lived and where the program started. However, it also has programs in Latin America with the goal to be on every continent except Antarctica. Eventually, Make A Difference would like to become a training hub, where schools and vocational centers can come learn Make A Difference’s sustainable model focused on teaching business and entrepreneurial skills and then bring that model back to their country with support from Make A Difference.

Our mission is to provide quality education to disadvantaged youth and women so they have the tools and skills to become self-sufficient, contributing citizens of the world.

Our Core Values

  • Creating a culture of quality education, well-being, and sustainable giving.

  • Being resourceful and efficient.

  • Communicating the impact made.

Our Mission

Our Methods

  • Providing ongoing access to educational opportunities for youth.

  • Minimizing expenditures and simplifying processes.

  • Offering opportunities to see who you are helping and the impact you are making.

Our Impact

Through our entire community of donors and friends, we have been able to help young people all across the world. View our reports below.

Annual Report

Student Impact Report

Our History

Our leadership board and advisors helps us raise money for our projects and our local staff makes sure that the money gets to where it needs to go.

Our Team

  • Theresa Grant

    Founder & Co-Chair (non-voting member)

  • Jacob Olvera

    Finance Manager

  • Janeth Evaristi

    Operations Manager

Meet the Team

  • Rehema Burhaney

    Finance Administrator

  • Yusuph Nyaki

    Programs Coordinator

Guest House Team in Tanzania

  • Paul Njau

    Driver, Translator and Project Assist

  • Daudi Mdoe

    Head of Security

  • Flora Mote

    House Manager

Our Board Officers

  • Vivek Narasimhan

    Co-Chair

  • Shelley Seibel

    Vice Chair

  • Robert Garcia

    Treasurer

  • Maren

    Secretary

Advisors to the Board

  • Dr. Elizabeth Singer

    Medical Advisor

  • Jeannie Logozzo

    Marketing and Finance Advisor

  • Jennifer Thomas

    Investment Advisor

  • Andrea Leszek

    Tech Advisor

Friends and Advisors of the Board

  • Lyne Brown

    Business Advisor

  • Nina Reyes

    Marketing and Partnerships

  • Stephanie Johnson

    Legal Advisor

  • Jojo Roque

    Google Ads Advisor

 Our Partners

Awards & Accolades