Birdy Grey Prom Network: Where We Donate (and Where You Can Too)

In the collective imagination of women and girls in the United States, there are a few dresses that help define life’s big moments. From the prom dresses that enchant our friends in high school to the wedding dresses that signal our entry into marriage, these gowns are tools of self-expression and celebrations of self-love. And although these dresses hold special places in our memories, all too often they end up relegated to the backs of our closets, hidden away in garment bags, behind the big winter coats.

So, what of the bridesmaid dresses that we accumulate as our friends and family members get hitched? If you’re fortunate enough to find a bridesmaid dress that you can wear more than once, you’re one of the lucky ones — and we certainly hope you feel that way about our dresses. But we also understand that sometimes brides pick dresses or colors that don’t necessarily vibe with every single bridesmaid’s regular aesthetic.

Here at Birdy Grey, we donate (and help bridesmaids donate) dresses to organizations that provide prom dresses to teens who can’t afford to pay for them. Keep reading to find out the Birdy Prom Network outpost in your region and stayed tuned for our growing list of donation partners.

If you are a dress donation group and would like to work with Birdy Grey in the future, please reach out at partnerships@birdygrey.com.

Find out how to donate your dress, your money, or your time on their website. Or, Birdies in San Diego can contribute to The Princess Project in person at the group’s  $5 Holiday Dress Fundraiser Sale at the Westfield Mission Valley Mall on December 3 and 4th from 10 am to 4 pm.

Maria’s closet accepts donations for its size-inclusive prom dress giveaway program and continuing education scholarship fund. They also have an Adult Prom Fundraiser every year to raise money for their efforts. Find out more here. 

Florida-based Becca’s Closet began when Rebecca Kirtman, a generous freshman at Nova High School In Davie, Florida, launched a prom dress drive to provide dresses to high school girls who could not afford to purchase them. Tragically, Rebecca was killed in a car accident at just 16 years old. But her legacy lives on through this group. Find out more about how to donate or volunteer at their website.

For one week in March, this Wisconsin church turns into a beautiful boutique, providing prom dresses at no cost to local teens. Find out more about their donation program at their website.

This northeast Oklahoma group is run by teen volunteers. Local birdies can find their dropoff locations on their Facebook page and loads of photos of happy promgoers on Instagram.

Since 2008, the Giving Gown Foundation has expanded from a small operation (they gave away 85 dresses their first year) to an annual event that helps 1200-1500 girls find the dresses of their dreams, at no cost. Find out how to contribute at their website.

What better place for students to find their fairy tale dresses than at the library? Every March, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library hosts an event to provide gowns and suits to students (LGBTQ+ friendly!) at no cost.

Ali’s Prom Project started as a service to help teens in foster care find the dress of their dreams. Since 2018, they have expanded their operations to serve low-income teens as well. Find out how to donate or volunteer here.

Founded in 2004, Abby’s Closet began when incoming college freshman Abby Egland wanted to make sure her favorite pink prom dress didn’t just collect dust. With the help of her mom Sally, Abby started this group that now serves students of more than 250 schools in the Oregon and Southwest Washington region.