Great Dames Names Camp Sojourner Its 2026 Remarkable Ideas Grant Award Recipient

Award package valued at more than $25,000 will help girls grow as leaders and create change in their communities

Greenville, Delaware, Nov. 5, 2026 — Great Dames announced Camp Sojourner as the recipient of its 2026 Remarkable Ideas Grant during its annual award celebration on Wednesday at Pizza by Elizabeths in Greenville, Delaware. Camp Sojourner and founder, Alisha Berry, were selected for their work helping girls ages 8 to 18 develop confidence, leadership skills, and commitment to their communities. The Philadelphia-based organization will receive an award package valued at more than $25,000, including a $10,000 cash grant and more than $20,000 in professional services, business mentorship and strategic support.

Camp Sojourner provides affordable overnight summer camps and year-round leadership programs for girls and youth. Its programs include mentoring, community service, creative arts, environmental education and college preparation. One measure of its lasting impact is that 60% of Camp Sojourner's summer staff are former campers who return to mentor and encourage younger girls.

“Every girl deserves to grow up knowing she matters and believing in what she can accomplish,” says Great Dames President and CEO Sharon Kelly Hake. “What especially impressed our judges about Camp Sojourner is how the girls who benefit from its programs want to offer that same encouragement and support to younger girls entering the program. That says so much about the lasting impact this organization has on their lives.”

The Great Dames award will help Camp Sojourner provide affordable camp experiences and scholarships, expand its leadership programs and offer more opportunities for college preparation and mentoring. The professional services included in the award will also support the organization's plans as it approaches its 20th year in 2027.

Recognizing Four Remarkable Nonprofits
The 2026 Remarkable Ideas Grant Program focused on the theme “Girls Matter: Raising Remarkable Girls.” Through the program, Great Dames supports nonprofits that help girls develop confidence, courage, resilience and leadership skills.  It reflects Great Dames' belief that when girls have encouragement, guidance and opportunities to lead, they can make a lasting difference in their communities.

Camp Sojourner was selected from four finalists whose organizations help girls build brighter futures. The other finalists were Black Women in Aviation led by Samantha Mitchell, Girls Spark led by Stormy Bell, and Million Women Mentors-DE led by Lisa Hoffman.

The three other finalists will also benefit from a seed grant, business mentorship, professional guidance and connections through the Great Dames network, helping them strengthen their organizations and reach more girls.

"These four organizations remind us how much is possible when girls have people who believe in them," says Kelly Hake. “Each is doing important work, and we're grateful for the opportunity to support all four. We know the relationships they build through Great Dames will continue long after this year's grant program.”

About Great Dames

Great Dames is a vibrant community of women leaders and allies who believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and collective action. Together, we champion women, strengthen nonprofits, and turn remarkable ideas into meaningful change. Through our Remarkable Ideas Grant Program, we invest in women-led nonprofits with funding, business mentorship, professional expertise, and valuable connections to help them grow, thrive, and expand their impact.

For more information, visit www.GreatDames.com.