AEO Better World 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 BETTER WORLD FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Community Grants
AEO 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 nonprofit organizations at a grassroots level in the communities of Pittsburgh, New York City, Hazleton, Ottawa, and Mississauga (Ontario area). Local 501(c)3 organizations and registered Canadian charities are invited to apply to support programming for teens and young adults in the locations mentioned above.
2025 Community Grant Program Deadlines:
- Spring – April 4, 2025
- Fall – August 29, 2025
- Winter – January 5, 2026
For complete information on our Community Grant Program, please read our guidelines.
To apply for grant funding, please click below:
Signature Grants
The AEO Better World Foundation’s Signature Grant program is designed to make transformational gifts to local nonprofits who are working to impact a particular theme or topic. Currently, Signature Grant funding is directed 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 for mental health services and enable the Foundation to have a larger impact on this particular need.
May Month of Service
The AEO Better World Foundation May Month of Service grant award program launched in 2022 to support nonprofit 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 nonprofit their team engages in a service project with in May. In its first year, the AEO Better World 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 October of 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.
For complete information on our Community Grant Program, please read our guidelines.
AE Foundation
In October of 2024, we launched the AE Foundation™ to support programming that benefits the mental health and well being of young people to empower authenticity and a better future for all. The AE Foundation issues Signature Grants to national organizations such as Bring Change to Mind and provides Community Grants to local charities across the United States and Canada.
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 Better World Foundation. Since 2015, AEO associates have donated more than $1 million to provide grants to nonprofit 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 Better World Foundation Golf Classic
In 2008, AEO associates organized the first AEO Better World Foundation Golf Classic as a way to bring people together and support the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts. Over the years, the Golf Classic has grown to be our signature fundraiser, and in 2024 – for the first time ever – we raised more than $1 million to support our grants programs.
This annual event brings together a diverse group of vendors, business partners and AEO associates for two days of engaging activities celebrating the Foundation. We are grateful each year for our generous sponsors – with their support the AEO Better World Foundation is able to continue funding the grant program and give support to nonprofit organizations who are making a real difference in the lives of young people.