Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Golder Trust for Orphans (GTO)

GTO – Generating Tomorrow’s Opportunities is a global employee‑supported charity that grew out of Golder Associates’ response to the AIDS pandemic in Southern Africa. Established in 2003 as the Golder Trust for Orphans, it has evolved into an independent trust that partners with non‑governmental organisations caring for vulnerable children and young adults in under‑served communities. Backed primarily by monthly staff donations and corporate support from WSP, GTO channels philanthropic capital to NGOs rather than delivering services directly.

The trust focuses on three core objectives: alleviating suffering by meeting acute needs such as food, clothing, blankets and safe water; creating sustainable development by backing income‑generating ventures; and creating educational opportunities through schooling, materials, sponsorships and technical training. Its mandate is explicitly global, with current projects concentrated in African countries and expanding to other regions as resources grow.

GTO uses a mix of funding tools to support its partner NGOs. The grant funding stream provides emergency or short‑term assistance, supports new types of projects such as bursaries, and allows GTO to test relationships with new NGOs. For longer‑term sustainability, GTO deploys Social Capital Loans to start income‑generating businesses like bakeries or farms that directly benefit children, and Enterprise Patient Capital Loans to expand proven ventures. Loan repayments are recycled into new initiatives, effectively gearing the trust’s capital.

All funding must align with at least one of the three objectives, ensuring that projects either address immediate hardship, build self‑sustaining livelihoods, or expand access to education. Decisions are made by the Board of Trustees and management team, who prequalify NGOs and monitor relationships over time.

GTO currently supports NGOs across several countries, including South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Senegal. Project sheets on the website highlight initiatives such as primary schools, early childhood development centres, children’s homes, agricultural enterprises, renewable energy systems and community nutrition programmes. Since its creation, the trust reports having donated millions of US dollars and having established complementary entities like GTO Canada Trust to extend its reach.

The primary beneficiaries are orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as young adults transitioning to independent livelihoods. By combining financial support with organised volunteer trips for WSP staff, GTO seeks to create both “survive” impacts (food parcels, baby homes, emergency relief) and “thrive” impacts (solar power projects, bakeries, school construction) that improve long‑term quality of life.

GTO is overseen by an international Board of Trustees with representatives from regions such as Canada, Africa, the United States and Australia. A dedicated trust manager and communications team handle day‑to‑day operations, fundraising campaigns and NGO relationships, helping ensure that donations are invested responsibly. The trust’s close partnership with WSP and its employees underpins a steady flow of funding and volunteers, while NGOs on the ground implement and manage the projects.