Avery Dennison Foundation: Grantmaking Guidelines, Impact Areas, and Application Process

The Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) is a global philanthropic organization committed to supporting nonprofit and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact. With a focus on communities experiencing high need, ADF aligns its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advancing projects that foster inclusive education, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity.

Nearly 90% of the Foundation’s initiatives are based outside the United States, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global disparities and empowering underserved populations. Through its grantmaking, ADF provides funding, strategic support, and partnership opportunities to organizations that share its mission of building resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities worldwide.

Grants from ADF typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, supporting programs that address pressing challenges in education access, environmental sustainability, and secure livelihoods. Beyond financial resources, the Foundation emphasizes trust-based partnerships, proactive engagement, and responsive support to ensure the success and sustainability of funded initiatives.

Mission and Vision

The Avery Dennison Foundation envisions a world in which all individuals—regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, disability, or geographic location—can access opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Its mission focuses on empowering communities globally through three primary impact pillars:

1. Education Access – Promoting equitable learning opportunities for all, particularly marginalized children and youth.
2. Environmental Sustainability – Advancing climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation to protect natural resources and communities.
3. Secure Livelihoods – Creating economic opportunities for underserved populations, fostering financial stability and inclusive growth.

Through these areas, ADF seeks to address structural inequalities, strengthen communities, and contribute to the achievement of global sustainable development objectives.

Impact Areas and Grant Criteria

1. Education Access

Education is a critical driver of social and economic empowerment. Yet millions of children and young people globally face barriers that limit access to quality learning opportunities. The Avery Dennison Foundation addresses these challenges by supporting organizations that:

• Reduce barriers and increase enrollment for underserved populations, with particular emphasis on girls and women.
• Provide direct educational opportunities in primary, secondary, post-secondary, and vocational programs.
• Serve communities traditionally marginalized due to race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

By investing in education, ADF helps organizations create inclusive learning environments, improve infrastructure, and empower students to develop skills that enhance their long-term prospects. These interventions contribute to stronger communities and more equitable societies worldwide.

2. Environmental Sustainability

The impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity pose significant challenges for communities globally. ADF supports initiatives that promote sustainable practices and resilience, including:

• Community education on environmental stewardship – Covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, responsible forestry, sustainable packaging, and product safety.
• Enhancing climate resilience – Strengthening the capacity of communities and ecosystems to adapt to and recover from climate-related disruptions.
• Direct environmental interventions – Supporting projects that protect forests, water sources, and air quality while enhancing social and economic well-being.

ADF believes that protecting the environment is both a moral responsibility and a foundation for long-term prosperity. Through these efforts, the Foundation fosters communities that are better equipped to withstand environmental challenges while preserving natural resources for future generations.

3. Secure Livelihoods

Economic opportunity is central to individual dignity and community stability. ADF supports initiatives that improve access to meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, and financial security, particularly for marginalized populations. Key areas include:

• Workforce development and vocational training – Providing skills and job readiness programs that prepare individuals for sustainable employment.
• Entrepreneurship programs – Strengthening opportunities for small business development, with a focus on women and other underserved groups.
• Reducing employment barriers – Addressing systemic inequities related to gender, race, disability, or socioeconomic status.
• Promoting workplace equality – Supporting initiatives that enhance gender equity, improve working conditions, and create opportunities for professional growth.

By enabling secure livelihoods, ADF contributes to resilient communities, reduced poverty, and long-term socio-economic development.

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Grantmaking Considerations

In addition to alignment with its three primary impact areas, ADF evaluates applications based on the following considerations:

Need

Funding priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest disparities, with reference to the United Nations Development Program Human Development Index (HDI). Projects serving high-need regions and populations are more likely to be supported.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The Foundation values organizations that demonstrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations, governance, and programming. Organizations should foster trust, collaboration, and belonging within the communities they serve.

These considerations ensure that ADF’s resources are directed toward initiatives that have the potential to generate meaningful and sustainable impact.

Guiding Principles

ADF’s approach to philanthropy is anchored in three key principles:

1. Trust-Based Philanthropy

ADF emphasizes open communication, transparency, and long-term relationships with partners and grant recipients. This approach allows the Foundation to support initiatives more effectively and adapt to evolving community needs.

2. Responsive Grantmaking

The Foundation responds to emerging challenges and opportunities, including disaster relief and employee-led initiatives, ensuring timely support for communities in need.

3. Proactive Grantmaking

ADF actively seeks out partners that use human-centered design to address challenges in high-need regions. By proactively identifying opportunities for collaboration, the Foundation ensures its resources are strategically allocated to projects with high potential for impact.

What the Avery Dennison Foundation Does Not Fund

To maintain focus and ensure strategic alignment, ADF does not provide funding for:

• Conferences, fundraising events, or special events.
• Organizations that discriminate based on age, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.
• Individual scholarships, stipends, fellowships, or travel grants.
• For-profit organizations or ventures.
• Religious groups for religious purposes.
• Political campaigns, candidates, ballot initiatives, or lobbying activities.
• Institutional endowments.

By clearly defining funding exclusions, ADF ensures that its resources are focused on initiatives that deliver measurable social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Application Process

ADF accepts grant requests year-round and makes funding decisions quarterly. The process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Create a Profile and Complete an Eligibility Form

Applicants create an account on the ADF online application system and submit an Eligibility Form to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.

Step 2: Initial Review

Foundation staff review the form to determine strategic fit. This step ensures that applicants’ time is used efficiently before completing a full proposal.

Step 3: Full Proposal Submission

Applicants whose eligibility is confirmed are invited to complete a full proposal through the online system.

Step 4: Application Review

ADF staff review full applications and may request additional information to clarify or strengthen proposals.

Step 5: Final Decision

Applicants are notified through the online system of the funding decision. ADF responds to all submissions, ensuring transparency and timely communication.

Why Partner with ADF

Partnership with the Avery Dennison Foundation goes beyond financial support. Organizations benefit from:

• Strategic guidance and collaboration – ADF provides mentorship and insights to maximize program impact.
• Global visibility and credibility – Partners gain recognition on an international platform, supporting their long-term sustainability.
• Alignment with the SDGs – Initiatives contribute directly to global sustainable development goals.
• Community-focused impact – Funding is directed toward projects that improve lives, protect the environment, and create economic opportunities.

ADF’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainability ensures that its partners can create meaningful change while fostering long-term community resilience.

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Contact Information

For more information or to submit a grant request, visit the Avery Dennison Foundation website or contact the Foundation directly via the online application system.

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