Saint Paul, MN

RESOURCES FOR THE ENRICHMENT OF AFRICAN LIVES

EIN 43-2052084

International Development & Humanitarian Aid Global Education Partnerships Women & girls Low-income

Mission

REAL (Resources for the Enrichment of African Lives) empowers disadvantaged girls and young women in Ethiopia to stay in school through mentorship, monthly stipends, family support, and community-managed site programs—summed up by the organization’s call to action: “Educate a girl, transform a life.”

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

Claim this page Visit www.real-africa.org

About RESOURCES FOR THE ENRICHMENT OF AFRICAN LIVES

REAL is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (founded 2004) that sponsors and mentors academically promising but economically disadvantaged girls in Ethiopia to complete secondary school and pursue higher education or technical training. The organization operates through community-run sites in Ethiopia where local committees and on-site mentors support cohorts of girls with monthly stipends, counseling, and school accountability. In recent years REAL has expanded in-country capacity (including establishing a permanent office in Addis Ababa in 2023), marked its 20th anniversary, and continued to document measurable outcomes for program participants.

Notable achievements

Sustained direct impact

Since its founding in 2004 REAL has supported over 600 girls (approximately 165 active in the program in recent filings), adding roughly 2,300 years of education beyond 5th grade and achieving high completion and postsecondary transition rates.

Permanent in-country presence

REAL established its first permanent office in Addis Ababa in 2023 to strengthen local program management, monitoring, and partnerships on the ground.

20th anniversary and continued graduate milestones

The organization celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024 and has continued to mark annual graduation milestones for sponsored students, demonstrating sustained programming and alumni outcomes.

At a glance

Total assets: $146K
Annual revenue: $58K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 43-2052084
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Website: www.real-africa.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

REAL is a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (active tax‑exempt status; organizational filings available).

REAL’s founder and Executive Director received external honors in 2023, including an Augsburg University Distinguished Alumni Award.

The Executive Director was named to a 2023 'Black Women Give Back' honoree list, reflecting peer and sector recognition of leadership.

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