AEO Foundation
We support causes that are important to our associates and customers by making a meaningful impact in their communities through national and global charity partnerships.
AEO FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Community Grants
The American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Foundation is committed to building a better world and showing the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth by supporting causes that educate and empower teens and young adults. We strive to create positive change by awarding grants to non-profit organizations at a grassroots level in the communities of Pittsburgh, New York City, San Francisco, Hazleton, Ottawa, and Mississauga (Ontario area). Local 501(c)3 organizations are invited to apply to support programming for teens and young adults in the locations mentioned above.
2024 Community Grant Program Deadlines:
- Spring – April 10, 2024
- Fall – September 4, 2024
- Winter – January 8, 2025
For complete information on our Community Grant Program, please read our guidelines.
To apply for grant funding, please click below:
Signature Grants
The AEO Foundation’s Signature Grant program is designed to make transformational gifts to local non-profits who are working to impact a particular theme or topic. In 2022, the AEO Foundation Board directed Signature Grant funding to organizations creating change in the mental health space. Youth have increasingly identified mental health as a challenge for themselves and their peers. Signature Grants provide programming and support directed at mental health services and allow for the Foundation to have a larger impact on this particular need.
May Month of Service
The AEO Foundation May Month of Service grant award program launched in 2022 to support non-profit organizations that matter most to our AE and Aerie store teams. Vetted and selected by our District Team Leaders across the United States and Canada, each AE and Aerie district is eligible to receive a grant for the non-profit their team engages in a service project with in May. In its first year, the AEO Foundation awarded $360,000 in May Month of Service grants to over 90 organizations. This grant program is by invitation only.
Aerie Real Foundation™
In 2022, we launched the Aerie Real Foundation™ to build confidence in women, foster an inclusive community, and protect our planet to make the world a better place for all. The Aerie Real Foundation issues Signature Grants to national organizations such as Delivering Good, the National Eating Disorders Association, PERIOD., and Free The Girls and provides Community Grants to local charities across the country.
2023 Aerie Real Foundation Community Grant Program deadlines:
- Summer: July 31, 2023
- Fall: November 30, 2023
For complete information on our Community Grant Program, please read our guidelines.
FUNDRAISING
Count Me In!
In addition to volunteering their time, AEO Associates can give back to their communities through Count Me In! – a charitable payroll deduction program supporting the AEO Foundation. Since 2015, AEO associates have donated more than $1 million to provide grants to non-profit organizations which are empowering youth in our local communities. One hundred percent of every dollar donated by AEO Associates supports charities in the regions where they live, work and play.
AEO Foundation Golf Classic
In 2008, AEO associates organized the first AEO Foundation Golf Classic as a way to bring people together and support the AEO Foundation’s philanthropic efforts. Over the years, the Golf Classic has grown to be our signature fundraiser, bringing in more than $500,000 annually to support our grants programs. This event, which takes place in July, brings together a diverse group of vendors, business partners and AEO associates for two days of events celebrating the Foundation. We are grateful each year for our generous sponsors – with their support the AEO Foundation is able to continue funding the grant program and give support to non-profit organizations who are making a real difference in the lives of today’s young people.