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Three children sitting together and smiling

Our Mission

We improve the lives of children and youth around the world by accelerating the community impact of social change leaders.

How are we accomplishing this?

We envision a world where every child, everywhere,has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our global Network – fueled by Gratitude – we accelerate, scale and sustain the impact of local changemakers to support millions of youth with better education, healthcare, career opportunities and fundamental human rights.

Our Story

Our organization was conceived on the eve of a milestone birthday. Our Founder and Executive Director, Randy Haykin, had just turned age 50. He had been a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist, and he wanted to shift his career to charitable giving and making more impact on the lives of marginalized populations. Randy created his own “Gratitude 365” experiment, and challenged himself to blog/post one thing he was grateful for daily during an entire year.

Randy soon realized that he could turn gratitude into action. He approached his network of talented colleagues, friends, and neighbors in the Bay Area and asked them to band together to impact social causes. Before long, the Gratitude Network was born.

graphic of rocketship shaking hands hearts and community

Founder’s Perspective

History Timeline

2011

Randy Haykin, an entrepreneur from the Bay Area, challenges himself to blog/post one thing he is grateful for during the entire year of his 50th birthday.

2012

Gratitude Network is founded as a 501(c)3 organization.

2013 – 2014

Gratitude hosts “The Intersection Event” to showcase impact entrepreneurs from around the world.

2015

Gratitude staffs up and hosts its first fundraising event – The Gratitude Soiree.

2016

Gratitude narrows its focus to children and youth. Coaching program begins with 5 volunteer coaches and 10 expert advisors.

2017 – 2019

Gratitude continues building its model by finding the highest potential social entrepreneurs to support.

2020

Gratitude pivots during the Covid19 pandemic to virtual fundraising, events, and operational management. 33 Fellows chosen from nearly 1300 applicants globally.

2021

Gratitude begins its shift to an Accelerator model and rebrands the organization for future growth. The network now includes 45 coaches, 60 expert advisors, and hundreds of supporters and volunteers.

OUR VALUES

GRATITUDE

We give our time, talent, and treasure out of a sense of gratitude for what life and fortune has provided for us.

TRANSFORMATION & IMPACT

We endeavor to create social change that is systemic and transformative.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We celebrate and value diversity across all spectrums, including but not limited to gender identity, race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, neurodiversity, veteran status, language and cultural diversity; we believe diversity drives creativity and innovation. Read our full statement.

Smiling woman in field surrounded by several small children

Three children lighting decorative candles on top of colorful street art

CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

Our network connects and bonds its participants.

POTENTIAL & INSPIRATION

We believe every child has the potential to rise out of difficulties; we are positive thinkers, inspired by the work of the social entrepreneurs we support.

CREATIVITY & INNOVATION

We encourage and embrace an innovative, problem-solving mindset.