VOW to end child marriage

Every year, millions of couples celebrate their love by getting married and millions of their family and friends celebrate with them. In the U.S. alone, Americans spend $100 billion on weddings think invitations, wedding dresses, rings, venues, flowers, gift registries, honeymoons, and more all on saying “I do.” But at a time when a child is married somewhere in the world every three seconds, who’s invested in making sure that girls can say, “I don’t”? Let’s work together to create a world in which every girl can decide when, if and whom to marry.

What is VOW?

VOW gives couples, companies and the public the power to help end child marriage. We believe every girl has the right to a safe and healthy future including the right to choose if, when and whom to marry. VOW is an independent organization developed with the support of Girls Not Brides, the Ford Foundation and Hive. VOW’s board members include Mabel van Oranje, initiator and chair of Girls Not Brides, Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation and Margaret Hempel.

The Give Lively Foundation Inc., a Section 501(c)(3) organization, is the fiscal sponsor of VOW–To End Child Marriage, Inc.

How can we support VOW?

We invite couples, their guests and friends to support VOW in the planning and celebration of their marriage. We partner with leading wedding brands, who offer VOW-branded products and services, so that your marriage can help end child marriage. It’s easy; all you need to do is donate, buy VOW products or register your wedding to make a real difference for girls across the world.

How do brands become a VOW partner?

We would love to hear from you! E-mail us at partners@vowtoendchildmarriage.org

Where does the money go?

All funds raised by VOW go to the Girls First Fund. This unique fund supports local organizations across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. These organizations work tirelessly to prevent child marriage and advance girls’ rights.

Why the Wedding Industry?

Every year, millions of couples celebrate their love by getting married and millions of their family and friends celebrate with them. VOW thinks: what if we could share this love to do something bigger? A few facts: In the US, we spend $100 billion on weddings each year. More than 91% of couples register for wedding gifts. $19 billion is spent on gifts at wedding registries. 93% of millennial wedding guests would purchase a gift from a couple’s registry if a charity contribution is included free of charge.

Sources: http://ir.xogroupinc.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/default.aspx, https://xogroupinc.com/press-releases/the-knot-2017-real-weddings-study-wedding-spend/

Does VOW profit from the sale or fundraising of money for the Girls First Fund?

No. All money from individual donations and VOW brand partners goes to the Girls First Fund.

Is the Girls First Fund a 501(c)(3)?

The Girls First Fund is a philanthropic fund of Capital for Good USA, a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity, with services provided by Geneva Global.

Who manages the Girls First Fund?

The Fund is housed within the 501(c)(3), Capital for Good USA, with Geneva Global providing all services for it.