Barbie Dream Gap Project

WHAT IS THE DREAM GAP? 

Recent research shows starting at age 5, many girls begin to develop limiting self-beliefs. They stop believing their gender can do or be anything. Representation in the media, cultural stereotypes and implicit biases that suggest women aren’t as smart as men, deepen this issue. 

Andrei Cimpian, Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University conducted a study with 400 children ages 5-7, and identified that by age 6, girls were significantly less likely to associate brilliance with their own gender, when compared to boys of the same age. The full study was published in the Journal of Science and was covered by the New York Times. 

This critical time in girls’ development when they begin losing confidence, is called the Dream Gap. The Dream Gap creates barriers for girls to reach their full potential, which can negatively affect and inhibit their future trajectory or career choices. 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO BARBIE?  

The Barbie brand purpose is to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. The Dream Gap is completely antithetical to what we believe. Therefore, we want to use our platform and resources to reach girls at this pivotal age and impact them in a positive way, to combat the Dream Gap.  

As the original girl empowerment brand, we’re proud to be championing change with the Dream Gap Project, an ongoing global initiative that aims to give girls the resources and support they need to believe that they can be anything.  

TOGETHER WE CAN CLOSE THE DREAM GAP 

We believe we can help close the Dream Gap for future generations, but we can’t do it alone. Everyone can help make a difference in their own way. By better understanding the Dream Gap, parents, teachers, and adults can work together to effect change. Whether it’s through the way we communicate with girls or by acknowledging the actions and mindsets that can perpetuate the Dream Gap.  

Barbie established the Dream Gap Project with $250K in March 2019 to fuel efforts to close the Dream Gap. This fall, Barbie is teaming up with GoFundMe to invite everyone to help close the Dream Gap. No matter how big or small a donation, every bit counts. Your support will go towards leveling the playing field for girls, by providing tools, resources, and support to organizations on the ground working to change the lives of girls around the world. Join us in creating a world where girls believe in endless possibilities. 

HOW WILL YOUR DONATION BE USED? 

Funds generated by the Barbie Dream Gap Project campaign will be distributed to likeminded organizations that are helping close the Dream Gap including but not limited to the project-specific Barbie Dream Gap Project campaigns hosted on this website.  

Stay tuned here for updates on the Barbie Dream Gap Project and the progress we’re making to #CloseTheDreamGap  

To learn more about the Barbie Dream Gap Project, visit barbie.com/dreamgap

Your donation to benefit this campaign/project will be allocated to the Barbie® Dream Gap Project (“Barbie Dream Gap Project”), a project of GoFundMe.org (a U.S. public charity). All donations are subject to the variance power of GoFundMe.org, as stated in the applicable GoFundMe.org policies. Subject to applicable law, donations may be tax-deductible.

Your donation is made for the support of The Dream Gap Project (“Purpose”). Notwithstanding that the campaign description may name a specific organization that is anticipated to engage in the projects, GoFundMe.org retains variance power, that is, discretion and control over how funds are disbursed within the purposes of the Barbie Dream Gap Project generally, and within the Purpose specifically.

GoFundMe.org is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 81-2279757) that works to swiftly mobilize donations for individuals and communities impacted by crises, natural disasters, and social inequalities. We accept tax-deductible donations from a global network of donors into funds created for a specific purpose. From these funds, we issue grants to individuals and nonprofits.

Donations to this fund are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by U.S. law. Money will be given to verified charitable needs at the discretion of GoFundMe.org.