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.
Over AUD $14million granted since 2017, including AUD $2.6million in 2023
Employees spend over 20,000 hours volunteering per year
More than 60 charities partnered since 2017
Our goals
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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
How and what we fund
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.
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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.
Other ways we can help
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.
Our governance structure
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
Frequently asked questions
‘We are what we are, the spirit afterwards, but first the touch.’
Charlotte Mew