25 years of impact
Since Glimmer’s founding in 2000, we have witnessed Ethiopias steadfast growth.
Significant reduction of maternal and infant death and increase of country wide primary and secondary school enrollment. Even with the challenges the country has faced in recent years, Ethiopia’s progress and potential are notable.
As we embark on a new model of direct, localized grantmaking in 2025, we reflect on the remarkable growth and progress we continue to build upon.
Glimmer’s Investment
Glimmer’s work has catalyzed economic growth and community well-being for millions of people.
From the beginning, Glimmer has chosen to work in the most remote and forgotten areas, committing to engaging and listening to the needs of rural people themselves. Through the steadfast support of our donors and the dedication of our staff and partners, we have lifted families and entire communities across rural Ethiopia, helping them become stable and thrive.
Invested
$170M
Reached
5M people
Integrated community development (ICD)
In 2010, Glimmer launched the Integrated Community Development (ICD) approach to support communities in driving their own holistic growth across key sectors. Since that launch, numerous ICD programs have been implemented.
Integrated community development (ICD) Programs
EDUCATION
Across the active and completed ICDs, Glimmer implemented education-focused activities such as school construction, capacity building, teacher training and learning materials, and girls' club initiatives.
HEALTH
Interventions included construction and capacity-building in health centers and clinics, provision of health, gender and nutrition training to health workers and women.
REVOLVING FUND
Glimmer supported communities through revolving funds, loans and provided financial resources to thousands of beneficiaries.
Water
Water sector activities include Rural Pipe System (RPS) construction, shallow boreholes, hand-dug wells, multi-village solar-powered water systems and spring protection projects, along with support for water management organizations.
LIVELIHOOD
Livelihood initiatives focused on agriculture, veterinary services, irrigation schemes, petty trade, and rural savings and credit cooperatives.
Stories of Impact
A young mother and war trauma survivor, received a 24,000-birr grant from Glimmer and REST to start a grain trade. Escaping extreme poverty, she has now diversified her business.