Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), a Baden-based grassroots charitable organization focused on youth empowerment, has been selected as one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. More than 3,500 organizations from around the world applied to this highly competitive program.

This global recognition will help us expand access to education, mentorship, and sport opportunities for underserved and newcomer children and youth in Canada. Thank you to FIFA, Global Citizen, and all of our volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters who made this milestone possible.

Football has the power to unite, inspire and create lasting change, and through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund we are putting that power into action to invest in the future of children around the world.

These organisations are doing extraordinary work, often in the most challenging environments, to ensure children have access to education and the life skills that football provides. Together with Global Citizen, we are committed to expanding this impact and helping many more children realize their potential.

-Gianni Infantino

Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), a Baden-based grassroots charitable organization focused on youth empowerment, has been selected as one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. More than 3,500 organizations from around the world applied to this highly competitive program.

GRFS focuses on empowering children and youth through education, mentorship, leadership development, and inclusive community programming. Based in Baden, Ontario, the organization has served the Region of Waterloo and surrounding communities since 2005 through tutoring, mentorship, summer and weekend schools, youth leadership initiatives, camps, and intercultural dialogue activities that collectively reach thousands of participants each year.

We extend our sincere thanks to FIFA, Global Citizen, and all of our volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters who made this milestone possible.

Learn more about our work and the fund here: http://globalcitizen.org/education-fund-grantees