GLA International Foundation

What GLA International Foundation does

GLA International Foundation (legal name: Global Leadership Adventures International Foundation, DBA "GLAIF") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in California and headquartered at 3511 Camino Del Rio S, Suite 201, San Diego. The foundation was established at the request of Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) program alumni as a year-round giving channel to sustain the community partners and host organizations that GLA service-learning cohorts engage with during spring break and summer programs. GLA absorbs 100% of foundation overhead, so every dollar donated is passed through to programs.

The foundation operates four donation vehicles: the Learning AFAR Fund (a partnership with AFAR Media that funds travel for underserved students, founded 2008, with 1,300+ students helped), the Community Partner Fund (grants to vetted grassroots conservation and community development organizations across Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, India, and others), the Need-Based Scholarship Fund (full-ride scholarships for financially disadvantaged students attending GLA programs), and a General Fund for unrestricted support. Revenue is derived entirely from individual donations (minimum $5), corporate matching (AmazonSmile at 0.5% of eligible purchases), Facebook fundraising (in development), and check donations; no subscription, membership, or fee-for-service model exists.

Distribution is direct-to-donor via self-serve web forms and mailed checks; outbound marketing is limited to the foundation website and organic social. The foundation is governed by a six-member board drawn largely from the GLA and African Leadership Academy networks. No product technology stack, AI components, or proprietary software platform is disclosed; the foundation's primary "technology" is its relationship and grant-management infrastructure with community partners.

Name

GLA International Foundation

Legal name

Global Leadership Adventures International Foundation

Website

https://glaif.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Short description

GLA International Foundation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that channels donations to grassroots overseas community and conservation partners and provides need-based scholarships for underserved students participating in Global Leadership Adventures service-learning programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Grantmaking Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Foundation/NGO & Philanthropic Scholarships (EDAIAOAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE)

Keywords

• Nonprofit grantmaking
• Student scholarships
• Service-learning programs
• Community development grants
• Conservation funding

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The foundation generates revenue entirely through charitable donations from individuals, corporate matching programs (AmazonSmile), and Facebook fundraising. All donated funds go directly to supporting grassroots organizations and student scholarships, with GLA covering operational overhead costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

GLA International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that raises charitable donations and channels 100% of contributed funds into grants and scholarships. It operates three primary programs: the Learning AFAR Fund (sponsors underserved students in Global Leadership Adventures service-learning travel), the Community Partner Fund (grants to grassroots community and conservation organizations overseas), and the Need-Based Scholarship Fund (full-ride scholarships for financially disadvantaged students). A flexible General Fund accepts unrestricted donations for use across all initiatives.

Product overview

GLA International Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that operates as a unified platform for three distinct grant and scholarship programs: the Learning AFAR Fund (which partners with AFAR Media to provide travel scholarships to underserved students), the Community Partner Fund (which supports grassroots conservation and community development organizations overseas), and the Need-Based Scholarship Fund (which provides full-ride scholarships for financially disadvantaged students). The foundation also maintains a General Fund for unrestricted donations. All three programs work together to facilitate international service-learning experiences for high school students while funding sustainable development projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Learning AFAR Fund: A fund partnership between AFAR Media and GLA International Foundation that sponsors immersive travel programs for underserved students through grant-based scholarships.
• Community Partner Fund
• Need-Based Scholarship Fund

Products and services

• Learning AFAR Fund A scholarship fund (in partnership with AFAR Media) that provides grants enabling students of diverse backgrounds with demonstrated financial need to participate in Global Leadership Adventures service-learning travel programs abroad. Has helped send more than 1,300 students abroad.
• Community Partner Fund A fund that supports grassroots organizations engaged in meaningful community or conservation projects overseas, providing year-round financial resources to community-led partner organizations in regions including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, South Africa, and Ghana.
• Need-Based Scholarship Fund A scholarship fund offering full-ride scholarships to students of diverse backgrounds with demonstrated financial need to participate in GLA service-learning programs overseas, covering components such as application fees, deposits, airfare, and full program tuition.
• General Fund A flexible donation fund that supports the overall work of the foundation, allowing donations to be used where they are most needed across all GLAIF initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of donations go directly to causes
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AFAR MediacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFAR Media and GLA International Foundation began their partnership in 2022 to support immersive travel programs for underserved students. Learning AFAR was founded in 2008 and has helped send over 1,300 students abroad. The partnership facilitates experiential learning programs through Global Leadership Adventures for students who receive grants.
• Son of a SaintminorOthersAn organization based in New Orleans that supports students who lost their fathers to incarceration or death. Through the Learning AFAR and GLAIF partnership, students from this organization traveled to Ghana for a service-learning experience.
• 7 ElementscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Dr. David Addison in the Dominican Republic. Focuses on seven elements of human security (Economic, Environmental, Food, Health, Political, Personal, Community). Initiatives include clean-burning stoves, bottle houses for housing, and reforestation projects. GLA students collaborate with 7 Elements on mobile medical clinics annually.
• African Leadership Academy (ALA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA pan-African high school in Johannesburg, South Africa that transforms Africa by developing a network of ethical leaders. Fred Swaniker, founder of both ALA and GLA, was named to Time 100 in 2019. 90% of ALA graduates actively engage in work or transformative projects in Africa; 99% attend college.
• Asociación Salvemos las Tortugas de Parismina (ASTOP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA community-run nonprofit in Parismina, Costa Rica dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their eggs from poaching. Formed in April 2001. Four species nest on Parismina beaches (green, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead), all listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Poaching decreased by 60%, saving 10,000 hatchlings each year.
• Asociación Vida Verdiazul (AVIVE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA community-based organization in Costa Rica formed in October 2010 to continue Pacific leatherback turtle conservation work. Protects all local sea turtle species, maintains a hatchery with controlled temperature/moisture, and implements educational programs for children on conservation.
• BioSur FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Costa Rican non-profit promoting rainforest conservation, scientific research, and environmental education in the Osa Peninsula. The Rio Nuevo Nature Reserve is 135 acres/55 hectares of critical riparian rainforest adjacent to Corcovado National Park. Protects tapirs, five species of wildcats, four species of monkeys, and approximately 200 bird species.
• MEDLIFEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2004 by Nick Ellis after helping a young boy named Darwin receive heart surgery. Partners with low-income communities in Peru, Tanzania, and Costa Rica to provide dental care, healthcare, education, and safe housing. GLA students conduct over 15 mobile medical clinics annually in rural highland communities.
• Association for the Protection of the Nandamojo River Watershed (Nandamojo Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded nearly 30 years ago to 'make the river flow again all year long.' Works on erosion control, ecological restoration, environmental education, native tree/plant nursery, reforestation, and composting. Has environmental education programs for all ages.
• Uniendo Comunidades Community FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn organization working with GLA since 2019 focusing on environmental education in rural Guanacaste beach communities. Volunteers teach recycling, design creative signs and murals, and organize campaigns like school beautification projects.
• Grupo Ecologico de Avellanas (GEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated in 2016 by 8 members in the Avellanas area. Conducts beach cleaning and mangrove restoration activities covering 8 kilometers of beaches annually. Mangroves store approximately 50% of carbon dioxide emitted by human activity. GLA students have volunteered since 2018.
• Hogar Manos de JesúscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA non-governmental organization founded in 1992 supporting elderly residents in Guadalupe de Cartago, Costa Rica. Provides care for abandoned or mistreated elderly people. GLA students support mobility exercises, mental stimulation, and assist caretakers with daily tasks.
• Project RhinocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn its tenth year of operations in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. An association of organizations facilitating rhino conservation to eliminate poaching and secure white and black rhino populations. GLA students work with Ranger & Reserve Support Units (K9 Anti-Poaching Dog unit) and WYLD youth development programs.
• Voluntarios AfinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWith over 15 years of experience in Guatemala's Mayan Highlands, focusing on children, healthcare, education, and child migration issues. GLA has partnered since 2009, with Voluntarios Afines since 2011. Students help local students with tutoring, construction projects, and medical campaigns in rural clinics.
• Tortugas Preciosas de OsacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Amazon Conservation Team's Ancestral Tides initiative. Has released more than 70,000 hatchlings from five sea turtle species, reduced nest theft/predation by 60%. Discovered Playa Preciosa as one of the most important hawksbill turtle nesting sites in the Pacific region of Central America. GLA students support turtle tracking, monitoring, and hatchery rebuilding.
• Parismina Community FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRun by local director Jason Taylor, who grew up in the rural community of Parismina, Costa Rica. Focuses on engaging local youth in art projects to beautify community spaces while bringing a shared sense of belonging through the arts. Currently working on completing a mural of the village logo.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Projects Abroad: An international volunteer and service-learning operator with scholarship-supported placements for high school and university students; comparable student demographic, program structure, and community partner grantmaking logic.
• Discover Corps: A family-volunteer and service-learning travel provider explicitly linked from GLAIF's footer; targets comparable student and family demographic with community-led international programs and grantmaking.
• African Leadership Academy: Sister organization also co-founded by Fred Swaniker; operates as a pan-African secondary school with scholarship funding, board overlap, and shared leadership-development mission that directly feeds the GLAIF pipeline.
• Rustic Pathways: A nonprofit-adjacent provider of high school service-learning and travel programs in dozens of countries; offers scholarships and community grantmaking similar to GLAIF's Learning AFAR and Community Partner Funds.
• Putney Student Travel: A student-focused service-learning travel provider offering community grants and scholarships in international destinations; comparable participant demographics and community-led partner engagement model.
• Global Volunteers: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating service-learning volunteer programs worldwide; closely comparable funding model, community partnership structure, and student-adult volunteer mix to GLAIF-supported programs.
• Global Leadership Adventures: The for-profit service-learning program operator that spawned GLAIF; both organizations share co-founders, brand identity, and a single operational ecosystem where GLAIF funds scholarships and GLA delivers the underlying programs.

Emerging players

• Son of a Saint: A New Orleans-based scholarship nonprofit for youth affected by parental incarceration; Learning AFAR directly funded its Ghana cohort, making it a downstream beneficiary peer in the same youth-scholarship funding space.
• African Leadership University: A higher-education spin-off of the Swaniker ecosystem offering scholarship-backed degree programs across Africa; addresses the same underserved African student demographic as Learning AFAR but at degree level.
• MEDLIFE: A partner nonprofit that delivers mobile medical clinics in Peru, Tanzania, and Costa Rica — the same geographies and service model GLAIF funds; comparable nonprofit grant recipient profile and student-volunteer integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GLA International Foundation