The Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) is a global philanthropic partner committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities across the world. Guided by the principles of trust, inclusivity, and proactive engagement, the Foundation has established itself as a leading supporter of organizations working to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
As the corporate social responsibility arm of Avery Dennison Corporation, ADF aligns its mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nearly 90 percent of its supported projects are based outside the United States, underscoring its global focus and its commitment to serving regions and populations where the need is greatest.
With grant awards typically ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, the Foundation provides vital support to nonprofit and non-governmental organizations that work at the intersection of education, environmental sustainability, and secure livelihoods. Beyond financial resources, ADF values deep, trust-based relationships with its partners, ensuring that support goes beyond transactions to create genuine transformation.
Our Mission and Vision
At its core, the Avery Dennison Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities worldwide. The Foundation envisions a world where every individual—regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location—can access opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Its mission is carried out through three key impact pillars:
- Education Access – Expanding equitable access to education and learning opportunities.
- Environmental Sustainability – Strengthening climate resilience and encouraging responsible care for the environment.
- Secure Livelihoods – Enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized and underserved populations.
By anchoring its work in these three areas, the Foundation contributes not only to community well-being but also to the global progress envisioned by the SDGs.
Impact Areas and Grant Criteria
1. Education Access
Education remains a fundamental driver of progress, empowerment, and social equity. Yet, millions of children and young people across the globe continue to face barriers that prevent them from accessing quality education. The Avery Dennison Foundation addresses this gap by partnering with organizations that:
- Reduce barriers and increase enrollment for underserved populations, particularly women and girls.
- Provide direct educational opportunities in primary, secondary, post-secondary, and vocational settings.
- Empower marginalized communities—including those excluded due to race, gender, disability, geography, or poverty—to pursue knowledge and skills for a better future.
Through its support, ADF enables schools, nonprofits, and local initiatives to expand access, improve infrastructure, and create inclusive environments where learners can flourish.
2. Environmental Sustainability
As climate change and environmental degradation intensify, the Avery Dennison Foundation recognizes the urgent need for collective action. The Foundation funds programs and projects that focus on building resilient ecosystems and communities. Areas of support include:
- Educating communities on responsible environmental stewardship, including water and energy conservation, recycling, sustainable packaging, and waste reduction.
- Supporting initiatives that help communities adapt to and recover from climate-related disruptions.
- Strengthening the protection of forests, water sources, and air quality to enhance overall social, environmental, and economic well-being.
ADF sees environmental sustainability not only as a moral imperative but also as a pathway to long-term prosperity. By helping communities become climate-resilient, the Foundation ensures that both people and ecosystems can thrive together.
3. Secure Livelihoods
Economic opportunity is essential for dignity, empowerment, and social stability. Yet, inequities in access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities persist across many communities worldwide. ADF responds by supporting organizations that:
- Provide workforce development, vocational training, and job readiness programs.
- Strengthen entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly for women and marginalized populations.
- Address systemic barriers to employment, including those tied to gender, race, disability, and socioeconomic status.
- Improve financial stability and gender equity in workplaces and communities.
By fostering secure livelihoods, ADF not only helps individuals achieve economic independence but also contributes to more resilient and inclusive communities.
Grantmaking Considerations
In addition to focusing on its three primary pillars, the Avery Dennison Foundation applies specific considerations when reviewing grant applications. These include:
- Need: Priority is given to communities with the greatest disparities, as identified through tools such as the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): ADF seeks organizations that embody DEI in their operations and cultivate trust and belonging in the communities they serve.
These criteria ensure that the Foundation’s resources are directed to initiatives that not only align with its mission but also demonstrate a measurable potential for impact.
Guiding Principles
The Avery Dennison Foundation’s approach to philanthropy is grounded in guiding principles that shape how it builds partnerships and distributes resources:
- Trust-Based Philanthropy
ADF prioritizes open, honest communication with grantees and values long-term relationships. The Foundation recognizes that impactful change often requires flexibility, patience, and trust. - Responsive Grantmaking
The Foundation responds to emerging needs, including disaster relief and employee-led initiatives, ensuring that support reaches communities when it is needed most. - Proactive Grantmaking
Beyond responding to requests, ADF actively seeks partnerships that align with its strategic priorities. Through human-centered design, the Foundation identifies opportunities for innovation and addresses challenges in geographies of greatest need.
These principles reflect ADF’s commitment to being a collaborative, forward-looking partner in philanthropy.
What the Foundation Does Not Support
To maintain focus and strategic alignment, the Avery Dennison Foundation does not provide funding for:
- Conferences, fundraisers, or special events.
- Organizations that discriminate based on age, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs.
- Individual scholarships, stipends, fellowships, or travel grants.
- For-profit ventures or organizations.
- Religious groups for religious purposes.
- Political organizations, candidates, or ballot initiatives.
- Institutional endowments.
This clarity ensures that applicants understand the Foundation’s scope and can determine eligibility before submitting proposals.
Application Process
The Avery Dennison Foundation maintains an open and transparent application process, accessible year-round. Funding decisions are made quarterly through the following steps:
- Eligibility Form – Applicants create a profile and complete an online eligibility form to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s focus areas.
- Initial Review – Foundation staff review the form and notify applicants of the outcome via email.
- Full Proposal Invitation – If aligned, organizations are invited to submit a detailed application.
- Application Review – Staff assess proposals and may request additional information for clarification.
- Final Decision – Applicants are notified through the online system of the funding decision.
Regardless of the outcome, ADF responds to all submissions, ensuring every applicant receives timely communication.
Why Partner With the Avery Dennison Foundation?
Partnership with ADF extends beyond financial assistance. The Foundation’s commitment to trust-based philanthropy means that grantees gain a partner invested in their mission and long-term success. With a global reach and a focus on equity, ADF brings visibility, credibility, and sustainability to the organizations it supports.
Moreover, the Foundation’s alignment with the UN SDGs ensures that its investments contribute to a shared global vision—one that prioritizes education, sustainability, and livelihoods for all.
Conclusion
The Avery Dennison Foundation stands as a global leader in corporate philanthropy, channeling resources and partnerships toward transformative change. By focusing on education access, environmental sustainability, and secure livelihoods, the Foundation addresses critical challenges while empowering communities to build brighter, more sustainable futures.
Its guiding principles of trust, responsiveness, and proactivity ensure that every grant goes beyond funding—it represents a partnership for progress. With grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 and a focus on communities most in need, the Avery Dennison Foundation continues to deliver on its promise of creating global impact, one community at a time.
For More information, Visit: The Avery Dennison Foundation and corporate social responsibility