American Eagle Outfitters has launched AE Foundation, an extension of American Eagle’s long-standing commitment to support causes that improve the lives of teens and young adults.
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The foundation formalizes AE’s philanthropic efforts and underscores the brand’s pledge to champion mental health and well-being, empower authenticity and uplift its customer community.
“The mission of the AE Foundation holds tremendous significance for me on both a professional and personal level. It’s not just about supporting our customers, but about driving a meaningful shift in how we approach mental health as a society,” said Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman and chief executive officer of American Eagle Inc. “We have an immense responsibility to help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. My family’s contribution to launch the Jeffrey Schottenstein Program for Resilience at The Ohio State University was a pivotal step toward supporting young people facing mental health struggles. Now, with the AE Foundation, we’re extending that work to ensure today’s youth feel supported and understood, creating lasting change for generations to come.”
In addition to Signature Grants, which contribute up to $100,000, the AE Foundation also will allocate localized Community Grants to grassroots organizations that provide access to mental health and well-being resources.
Jennifer Foyle, president, executive creative director of AE and Aerie, said Thursday, “Today, on World Mental Health Day, we are so pleased to launch the AE Foundation and formally expand our philanthropic commitment as we continue to support, empower and positively inspire our customer community. American Eagle is a leading brand for 15- to 25-year-olds, which means we have a unique opportunity to directly engage with millions of young adults to help them prioritize mental health and well-being. Through our partnership with Bring Change to Mind, we are opening a dialogue, building awareness and creating a better future for all.”
Bring Change to Mind is a nonprofit cofounded by Glenn Close, the award-winning actress and activist, that works to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The nonprofit will be the first recipient of an AE Foundation Signature Grant to fund its outreach and high school programs.
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Supported by their customers, AE and Aerie are the largest corporate donors in Bring Change to Mind’s history, providing more than $1.6 million to the organization since 2021. In 2021, they launched a limited-edition graphic T-shirt where 100 percent of sales were donated to the organization.
“We are humbled, honored and grateful to have the opportunity to work with the American Eagle brand, its customers, associates and now the AE Foundation,” said Close. “Over the past three years, their support has enabled us to scale our high school mental health clubs and programing to reach teens across the country. As our largest impact donor since my family established Bring Change to Mind in 2010, I am eternally grateful for American Eagle’s support in bringing mental health conversations and peer led action to young people across the country.”
On Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3), the AE Foundation will reveal a Signature Grantee for the 2024 holiday season. As part of its mission, the foundation will periodically issue grants of up to $100,000. Recipients will include national organizations that support the mental well-being of young people by ensuring access to the resources they need.
AE Foundation will also issue Community Grants of up to $15,000 each to grassroots organizations working to support the mental well-being of teens and young adults in their own communities.
Close and the Bring Change to Mind board of directors will host the 12th annual Revels & Revelations fundraiser tonight in support of teen mental health. Craig Brommers , chief marketing officer of American Eagle, will reveal the launch of the AE Foundation and will present the nonprofit with its $100,000 Signature Grant.
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