This past year, GIRA expanded its philanthropy efforts by introducing a new, annual education-oriented GIRA Grant. Its goal is to serve youth by offering students opportunities that their understanding and appreciation of international relations. More information on the 2011-2012 academic year grant will be forthcoming.

Our philanthropy program compliments the charity-minded efforts of our two Model UN conferences. Over the past two years, both NAIMUN and NCSC have established partnerships with non-profit organizations to raise awareness about critical international issues. Last year, NAIMUN XLVIII raised more than $20,000 for Free the Children through an extensive fundraising campaign that connected our educational and philanthropic goals. Conference delegates and staff also participated in an expanded NAIMUN Community Service Project for the second year in a row. NCSC XXXIX raised over $2,500 for the two winning charities in its per-capita committee fundraising competition: Tuesday's Children and Human Rights in China. NAIMUN XLIX and NCSC XL will strive to build upon these initiatives through creative new philanthropic programming to benefit the less fortunate among our international community.

If you or your organization are interested in participating in GIRA's outreach activities, please email ceo@modelun.org.