Glimmer was founded in 2000 by Donna and Philip Berber with the vision to end poverty and uplift communities in rural Ethiopia. From 2000 to 2024, Glimmer grew tremendously—completing more than 10,000 projects, and impacting the lives of more than 5 million people in rural Ethiopia. In 2024, Glimmer’s founders decided to shift from an international NGO model to direct grantmaking. This evolution honors the Berbers’ commitment to making their giving and impact as local as possible by shifting the focus of their philanthropy to grants for locally-led initiatives. Glimmer’s investments in Ethiopia have catalyzed economic growth, empowerment, and community resilience for millions, and the organization continues to build on this legacy by supporting the most vulnerable communities through a local approach.