At 1,000 Dreams Fund (1DF), we believe time is an incredibly powerful gift you can give. In honor of National Mentoring Month in January, we’re inviting mentors and leaders across our community to turn a single hour into lasting impact through our Mentor-Raiser.

From Thursday, January 29 through Thursday , February 26, mentors are encouraged to pledge a set number of hours they’ll dedicate to mentoring in 2026. 

Whether it’s one hour or many more than that, every pledge helps expand opportunity, confidence, and access for young women who need guidance now more than ever.

What Is A Mentor-Raiser?

Our all-new Mentor-Raiser is a simple but meaningful way to support 1DF’s Mentoring Initiative, a program designed to connect students with mentors who can offer encouragement, career insight, and real-world perspective.

Here’s how it works:

• Pledge your hours for the year ahead — even just one hour!
• Participate in 1DF-coordinated virtual mentoring sessions throughout 2026.
• Share your pledge on social media to inspire friends, colleagues, and peers to join.
• Multiply your impact as more mentors step forward and commit their time.

Each hour pledged represents a tangible investment in a young woman’s future — helping her navigate education, career pathways, financial literacy, leadership development, and personal growth.

Why Mentoring Matters

Mentorship makes a difference. For many young women, access to mentorship opens doors to new possibilities — expanding networks, boosting confidence, and providing decision-making guidance.

The Mentor Initiative exists to make those connections possible. By bringing together mentors from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we help ensure mentees receive support that’s not only practical, but deeply affirming.

When you pledge your time, you’re not just offering advice — you’re helping:

• Build confidence and self-advocacy
• Encourage goal-setting and long-term planning
• Provide exposure to careers and opportunities
• Create a sense of belonging and support

Why an “Hour-by-Hour” Approach?

Life likely feels busier than ever. And we know time is precious — and often limited. That’s why this challenge starts with a simple question: Can you give an hour?

One hour can spark breakthroughs. It can help mentees be better equipped to take their next steps. It can contribute real momentum and measurable impact.

By focusing on hours, we’re celebrating mentorship as something achievable, flexible, and powerful — no matter your schedule.

Ready to Make an Impact?

You don’t need to have all the answers — you just need the willingness to show up with 60 minutes.

Join us for the Mentor-Raiser and help shape a future where every young woman has access to the mentorship she deserves.

Pledge an hour. Change a life.