The Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit and non-governmental organizations across the globe. The Foundation supports high-impact projects with grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, focusing on communities in greatest need.
ADF aligns its grantmaking program with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nearly 90% of its funded projects are based outside the United States, making it a truly global initiative.
Impact Areas and Grant Criteria
The Foundation provides funding in three main areas:
1. Education Access
ADF supports organizations working to eliminate barriers to education and increase enrollment for marginalized communities. Focus areas include:
- Expanding primary, secondary, and vocational education for underserved groups, especially women and girls.
- Providing direct learning opportunities for individuals excluded due to race, gender, disability, geography, or socioeconomic status.
2. Environmental Sustainability
ADF funds projects that strengthen climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Examples include:
- Educating communities on conservation, waste reduction, recycling, sustainable packaging, and resource management.
- Building community capacity to adapt to climate change.
- Supporting projects protecting forests, water, and air for long-term social, environmental, and economic well-being.
3. Secure Livelihoods
ADF promotes economic inclusion and financial stability through:
- Workforce development, entrepreneurship, and vocational training programs.
- Reducing barriers to employment among marginalized populations.
- Advancing gender equality and improving the quality of life for women in the workplace.
🔎 Grantmaking Considerations
When evaluating applications, ADF considers:
- Need: Priority is given to communities facing the greatest disparities, based on the UN Human Development Index.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Organizations demonstrating inclusive practices and strong community relationships receive priority.
Guiding Principles
ADF’s approach to grantmaking is built on:
- Trust-Based Philanthropy – valuing open communication and lasting partnerships.
- Responsive Grantmaking – supporting employee-centered and disaster relief initiatives.
- Proactive Grantmaking – seeking out innovative, human-centered projects in high-need communities.
What ADF Does Not Fund
The Foundation does not provide funding for:
- Conferences, fundraisers, or special events
- For-profit ventures
- Religious or political organizations
- Individual scholarships, stipends, or fellowships
- Endowments
Application Process
ADF accepts grant requests year-round and makes decisions quarterly. The process includes:
- Eligibility Form: Create a profile and complete the form in ADF’s online system.
- Review: Staff checks alignment with ADF’s focus areas.
- Invitation: If eligible, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal.
- Decision: Final decisions are communicated through the system.
ADF responds to all submissions, whether approved or not.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in applying can begin by creating a profile and submitting the Eligibility Form via the ADF online application system.
