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Close-up photography of flora.

The Aesop Foundation

We exist to amplify the voices of excluded communities in the pursuit of equity, belonging, and a thriving planet.

The Aesop Foundation aims to have a meaningful impact in the communities in which it operates, while also embracing the need to go beyond, understanding the interconnected social and environmental issues faced across the world. Our Compass The world remains vastly unequal. Extreme poverty coexists with extreme wealth. The nature of this distribution of resources has caused and continues to exacerbate the current climate crisis. Our Compass drives us toward a different world, where the spirit of generosity guides human action. A place in which safety, dignity, and opportunity are extended to all. The Aesop Foundation has made a financial pledge to grant AUD $40million by 2030. 

Our goals

Society for all

Cultivating inclusive communities In today’s world, many feel isolated or fear they do not belong. Together, we can cultivate inclusive societies where everyone can participate, feel welcome and be connected.    Goals:  Children have the foundational skills for education  Refugees feel accepted and settled in their new community    Our current partners:  ASRC  Aukland City Mission  Breaking Barriers  Create  Pan Intercultural Arts  Refugee Community Kitchen  Luminary Bakery  Room to Read  Library for All  The Asia Foundation  Impact HK  Let's Play Cambodia 

Liveable Earth

Nurturing just and joyful relationships with the Earth Climate change poses the most significant threat to the future of humanity and the planet. We will take action to nurture more equitable and enduring ways in which to relate to the Earth. Goals: Indigenous communities are recognised for their contributions as the custodians of nature Smallholder farmers producing essential oils take action to mitigate and adapt to climate change Our current partners:  Karrkad Kanjdji Trust Photographers without Borders Landesa Rebuild By Design Indigenous Climate Action

Safe keeping

Keeping people safe from harm  Every year across the world, millions of people experience natural disasters as well as acts of war and domestic violence. Together we can help create a safer world where everyone is valued, protected from harm and lives a long, healthy life.  Goals:  Women and children are safeguarded from violence.  Emergency health care is provided, saving lives in times of crisis.  Human rights and freedoms are promoted and protected.    Our current partners:  Red Cross New Zealand  All Out  Médecins Sans Frontières  War Child  ACLU MSI Reproductive Choices Everyone’s Invited

Luminary Bakery

We believe in trust-based philanthropy and seek to support partners with unrestricted grants over multiple years, meaning that these partners are then free to decide how the money should be spent.      The organisational structure of the Foundation is deliberately small, to maximise the resources that can be provided to its partners. As a result, the Foundation is currently unable to accept unsolicited applications.      Because applying for a grant takes time and energy, the process aims to be as transparent and efficient as possible for those who are invited to apply.      80% of the Foundation’s budget is allocated to multi-year partnerships, and 20% of the budget is allocated to one-off acute social and environmental issues.

20%

Acute issues: AUD$ 50,000 - 150,000 One-off commitment

80%

Partnership grants: AUD$ 50,000 - 250,000 annually Commitment 1 - 5 years

Those directly impacted by exclusion often have the courage, ability, and passion for creating a better world. As allies, we want our generosity to magnify the efforts of such marginalised communities to lead and drive change. It is important that we show up in the right way. To this end, we are intentional about investing in organisations owned or operated by under-represented communities. 

Beyond money   Where possible, the Foundation can connect grantees with other funders and provide resources for smaller organisations that do not have access to professional fundraising support.      Product donations    Each Aesop signature store can give products to support charitable organisations in the local community. Additional product donations are made to charitable partners via the Aesop Foundation.      Matched giving   Aesop has a matched-giving programme which is open to all employees. Any money donated to a registered charity will be matched by the Aesop Foundation.     Volunteering   Aesop’s intent has always been to extend support beyond monetary means and nurture enduring relationships. All Aesop employees are encouraged to donate 1% of their working hours to volunteer with local organisations.      Employee involvement   The Aesop Foundation reflects the values of Aesop and is supported by regional employee-led Philanthropy Committees. Alongside those, the Aesop Foundation partners with Aesop’s Employee Resource Groups. There are currently four such groups, focusing on women and allies; race, ethnicity and culture; disability, neurodiversity and mental-health conditions; and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Aesop Foundation Board 

Catherine O’Dea – General Manager, SAPMENA  Sarah Jackson - General Manager, Human Resources  Ryad Djellas – General Manager, Europe Zone 

Aesop Foundation Team 

Jules Chalmers – Head of Social Impact Tracey Mallinson - Philanthropy Specialist

‘We are what we are, the spirit afterwards, but first the touch.’

Charlotte Mew