FISCAL YEAR 2024 April 2, 2023 – March 30, 2024
WE ARE COMMITTED TO POWERING WHAT’S POSSIBLE
At VF Corporation, we care deeply about the communities where VF operates around the world and The VF Foundation complements our business by serving as a key resource to connect, engage and support these communities. The Foundation combines the unique strengths of our business alongside our philanthropy and leverages our resources and strategic focus to invest in community partners who embody our core values. In addition to providing monetary grants, our employees give their time, talents and resources to create meaningful impact in our communities. They volunteer alongside organizations the Foundation supports and they donate generously to employeegiving campaigns to further enhance our collective impact.
We’re committed to testing and powering new ideas and fueling the good work being done around the globe. We are helping empower workers and families in our supply
chain communities through educational training. We are working to transform our industry by funding organizations that are innovating sustainable materials, supporting growers who implement regenerative agricultural practices, and promoting the adoption of circular product design and development.
The stories in this report reflect just a few of the inspiring organizations that have turned The VF Foundation’s grant funding into impact. We are proud to take this moment to elevate the work of our grantees and even prouder to be their partner.
Bracken Darrell President & CEO, VF Corporation & Chair, VF Foundation Board
We envision a world of can-do possibilities. Together, The VF Foundation and VF Corporation’s portfolio of brands invested nearly $16 million* in monetary grants and product donations in FY 2024 to positively impact millions of people and their communities.
This year’s report showcases the causes and people who share our belief that collaboration is powerful and working together will drive positive impact across our communities.
Alongside our partners, we are redefining the possibilities and advancing a more active, sustainable and inclusive future. We are excited to share their stories and we are honored to help them succeed. You’ll see that they are reshaping communities and driving change that we hope will last for years to come. And we look forward to building upon their progress highlighted in this report.
Together, we have helped amplify our resources with internal and external stakeholders and powered collective action. Their stories show us that transformative impact can occur when we work together and share knowledge and learnings for positive change. As always, we are grateful for the community partners, business
collaborators and philanthropic supporters across the globe who have joined us on this journey. They, too, are advancing possibilities, and we couldn’t achieve these positive changes without them.
Gloria Schoch Senior Director,
Global Impact, VF Corporation & Executive Director, VF Foundation
Photo courtesy of First Descents
WE POWER POSITIVE SOCIETAL IMPACT
AND
SYSTEMS CHANGE TO ADVANCE A MORE ACTIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE WORLD
Photo
WE ARE ON A MISSION FOR GOOD
OUR PARTNERS ARE THE INNOVATORS AND SOLUTION-SEEKERS WHO ARE DELIVERING POSITIVE SOCIETAL IMPACT FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET.
Since the Foundation’s inception in 2002, we have granted more than $73 million and reached nearly 15 million people worldwide in partnership with VF’s brands and people.
We are committed to supporting community partners who embody our core values through the following program areas:
“Inspired by our business and brands, we believe in big thinking and bold collaboration.”
Bracken Darrell, President & CEO, VF Corporation & Chair, VF Foundation Board
THRIVING OUTSIDE
We believe in the power of nature and the importance of making it accessible to all to fuel active and inclusive communities.
PROTECTING OUR PLANET
We believe we must be innovative global stewards, helping drive a more sustainable apparel industry and outdoor recreation economy.
POWERING POTENTIAL
We believe in unlocking economic opportunity through education and fostering belonging across the apparel sector, outdoor recreation industry and skilled trades to fuel the passions and dreams of the leaders of tomorrow.
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF
We believe in supporting humanitarian relief and recovery efforts when disasters strike communities where VF operates around the world because helping others is a responsibility we all share.
TOGETHER, WE CREATE GENERATIONAL IMPACT
The VF Foundation is proud to be a catalyst for good. We build on our values and nurture innovative causes and organizations. Our grants help transform the lives and trajectories of people in the communities we serve.
We invest in collaborative partnerships through direct service grants, workforce training and development, capacity-building, early stage research, promising pilots and education. We help find solutions in the areas where we can have the most impact. And we are honored, in this report, to highlight some of the stories about the inspiring people and organizations we support.
Included in this report are facts and figures provided to The VF Foundation by grantees in FY 2024 Results Reports.
4DWN
ADM CAPITAL FOUNDATION
BEYOND SPORT FOUNDATION
BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE
BUSINESS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CAMBER OUTDOORS
CAMBODIAN CHILDREN’S FUND
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DENVER
CIVIC CENTER CONSERVANCY
COLORADO STATE
UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
CREATIVES WANT CHANGE
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
FASHION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
FIRST DESCENTS
FORUM FOR THE FUTURE
GIRL SCOUTS OF COLORADO
GIRLS AT WORK
GIVE 2 ASIA
GREENSBORO CHAMBER FOUNDATION
GUILFORD EDUCATION ALLIANCE
HAWAI’I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
INDUSTRIAL COMMONS
INTERNATIONAL COMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS
KISS THE GROUND
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART DENVER
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION
NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER FOR THE DISABLED
NO BARRIERS
ORANGE COUNTY COASTKEEPER
OUTDOOR AFRO
OUTDOOR ALLIANCE
OUTDOOR RECREATION ROUNDTABLE
PARADOX SPORTS
PROTECT OUR WINTERS
PROTECT OUR WINTERS EUROPE
REDRESS
REGENERATIVE RISING RISE
SALAZAR CENTER FOR NORTH AMERICAN CONSERVATION
SHIMMY SKATEISTAN
SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE
SOS OUTREACH
SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ALLIANCE
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
THE RESILIENCE FUND THE SKATEPARK PROJECT
THE VENTURE OUT PROJECT
THINK BEYOND TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
UNITED NATIONS FOUNDATION
UNITED WAY OF GREATER GREENSBORO
WATER.ORG
WATERAID
WOMEN’S WILDERNESS
WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
BREAKING DOWN OUR IMPACT*
$3,846,500**
GRANTED IN FY 2024
2,344,694 PEOPLE REACHED
104 COUNTRIES REACHED
58 PARTNERS
GOVERNANCE & EVALUATION
Our mission to help achieve lasting impact anchors our grantmaking. Solicited applications are reviewed and evaluated twice annually by the Foundation’s Global Grants Review Committee, consisting of cross-functional leadership representing VF’s business and brands. Foundation staff and the committee ensure applications have strong alignment with the Foundation’s impact goals and program areas. Recommended grants are subsequently reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors for final grant consideration.
Each year, The VF Foundation asks grantees to self-report data through a grantee results report on estimated program reach, alignment with Foundation program area(s), populations served (by age and household income level), challenges faced, program success factors and progress made on grant and programmatic goals. Submitted data is reviewed, vetted and aggregated for impact measurement and reporting purposes.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF INDIVIDUALS REACHED*
THRIVING OUTSIDE
Expanding access to the powerful benefits of nature. We are helping to connect more people to the healing, transformative joy of the great outdoors. We support organizations that are creating outdoor experiences for all and introducing more people to the wonders of nature.
Photo courtesy of No Barriers
4DWN
ISSUE:
In Dallas, Texas, the most economically challenged communities are oftentimes notorious food, infrastructure and recreational deserts, which can perpetuate challenges in residents’ health, access and well-being.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation and Dickies®, 4DWN was able to address these community challenges by fueling the evolution and capacity of its programming intersecting with recreation, education and neighborhood stakeholder cultivation.
“Thanks to The VF Foundation and Dickies®, we were able to build the first Vertical Ramp Vertical Farm, an educational space and business incubator. It has been leveraged to teach high school students about food systems, recreation and quality of life.”
Rob Cahill, Co-Founder, 4DWN
Photo by Anthony Lazon-Conde
4DWN
For the People, For the Planet
| Dallas, Texas
Named for “four wheels down,” which is short for a successful landing of a skateboard trick, 4DWN began as a free skate park for youth to skate, meet peers, experience art, music and more. The park is located in an industrial neighborhood surrounded by wholesale food warehouses. Rob Cahill, Co-Founder of 4DWN, said that they watched trucks of unused food drive by their community going to landfills. “We knew that food could be used for human consumption, to feed animals or as compost instead of going to a landfill and adding to greenhouse gas emissions,” Rob said.
So, the vision for 4DWN expanded and became one of the only skate parks in the country with an urban farm. Today, their Safe Skate Space draws hundreds of participants weekly and is a popular place for kids to congregate, skate and volunteer. Their Food Distribution Program provides weekly meals to families in need.
They host community events that attract hundreds monthly and they host large skate industry events that bring thousands of people to their facility.
“With funding from The VF Foundation and Dickies®, we were able to expand our Safe Skate Space to be open seven days a week,”
Rob explained. “Our Circular Food System grew in volume, impact and complexity; feeding more people, rescuing and cultivating more food, sparking businesses and careers, adding partners, engaging more volunteers and developing the leaders of tomorrow. And our Creative Coalition celebrated local artists with more exhibitions and installations, creating commissions and commercial jobs for new artists.”
$50,000 GRANT
5,000 families benefited from the food distribution program
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
“Funding from The VF Foundation galvanized our LA 28x28 Program, helping us construct Castellanos Elementary Schoolyard, increasing community green space by 30 percent and serving 16,000 community members.”
Mary Chranko, Senior Director of Corporate
Partnerships, Trust for Public Land
ISSUE:
Based on The Trust for Public Land’s research, in the U.S., 28 million children do not have a park within a 10-minute walk from home. In low-income communities, parks average half the size, are lower quality and more prone to flooding than parks in other areas. Additionally, one-third of Native American children live in poverty. While their history is rooted in nature, Tribal communities often lack resources to create or sustain enriching outdoor spaces.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation, playgrounds and schoolyards at nine Tribal schools and 28 Los Angeles Unified School District schools are becoming nature-rich, areas for recreation, education and community gathering.
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30%
increase in community green space, serving 16,000 community members at Castellanos Elementary in Los Angeles
2,000
community members engaged in creating thematically distinct and culturally relevant designs for three of TPL’s Tribal schoolyards
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
Reimagining Community Schoolyards
| Los Angeles, California
Trust for Public Land’s Tribal Schoolyards
Pilot program is a partnership with the Bureau of Indian Education. With support from The VF Foundation, playgrounds and schoolyards at nine Tribal schools and 28 Los Angeles Unified School District schools are becoming nature-rich areas for recreation, education and community gathering.
“While many people don’t live near parks, nearly 80 million people in the U.S. do live within a 10-minute walk of a public school.
But, the full potential of school playground resources is rare,” explained Mary Charnko, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships.
“This funding not only seeded and catalyzed our Tribal Schoolyards Pilot Program, it engaged local communities to participate in the design of their playgrounds and
galvanized our ‘LA 28x28 Program’ to green 28 schoolyards by the 2028 Olympics.”
Grant funds also helped TPL advocate at the national and state level to lift barriers to creating community schoolyards in Tribal communities and across the U.S. “We were also able to hire TPL’s first Associate Director of Tribal Schoolyards, of Choctaw, Lakota, and Dakota origins,” Mary said. “And we hired a Land Trust Alliance Fellow to develop relationships with Northern Cheyenne Tribal members and students.”
$250,000 GRANT
SKATEISTAN
ISSUE:
Based on Skateistan’s research across many European, Middle Eastern, African and Southeast Asian locations, children face increasing challenges including violence, social isolation, lack of mental health and psychosocial support services. As well, there is a lack of access to sports programs for women, girls and children with disabilities.
IMPACT:
Funding from The VF Foundation and Vans® helped provide the financial and technical support needed to run Skateistan’s sport and educational programs in eight EMEA locations including South Africa, Kenya, Iraq, Jordan, Albania, Belgium, Lebanon and Sweden.
89% 77% of Skateistan partners have increased capacity to deliver and grow programs of participants report positive feelings of well-being
SKATEISTAN
Skateistan in a Box
| Europe, Middle East and Africa & Southeast Asia
Skateistan (“Land of Skateboarding”) provides safe, child-friendly places for at-risk kids to build healthy relationships with adults as they learn, play and express themselves. Programs ensure learners with special needs, refugees and other groups who often lack access to outdoor recreation are included in free skateboarding and sport-based education programs.
The Skateistan in a Box initiative is an international programs partnership model that mobilizes funding, resources, knowledge and more for organizations around the world. “Skateistan in a Box builds skateboarding infrastructure and schools, delivers programs and equipment and facilitates a network of social-skate projects,” explained James Green, Head of Philanthropy at Skateistan.
$100,000 GRANT
“Together with these partners, we can offer skateboarding and educational programs for free, and provide all necessary gear and resources to children who might otherwise lack access, including those in settlements and refugee camps.”
Funding from The VF Foundation and Vans® helped provide the financial and technical support needed to run Skateistan’s sport and educational programs in eight EMEA locations including South Africa, Kenya, Iraq, Jordan, Albania, Belgium, Lebanon and Sweden. Funding also helped to pilot “The Box” classroom and mobile skatepark prototype in Berlin, providing leadership training and funding for social skateboarding organizations aligned with Skateistan’s mission in Europe.
“When you skate, you learn to keep trying even if you fall down. It helps you become strong and to never give up.”
15-year-old
program participant
Photo
PARADOX SPORTS &
NO BARRIERS
ISSUE:
Based on research by Paradox Sports and No Barriers, data reveals the U.S. is rich in enthusiasm for the outdoors, but has inconsistent access and infrastructure. This phenomenon is referred to as the Nature Gap. Barriers to participation in outdoor recreation include limitations on time, money, transportation, adaptive equipment and infrastructure, social isolation, limited access to nearby natural areas and lack of information regarding activities.
IMPACT:
With funding provided by The VF Foundation, No Barriers programs served 224 individuals at their Mountain Campus in Northern Colorado to begin to address the Nature Gap, expand their horizons, improve mental and physical health, foster belonging and create meaningful connections to the natural world.
“Our program is designed to provide life-changing opportunities, build community, self-esteem and self-reliance and contribute to overall positive mental health.”
Becky Lindstrom, Development Manager, Paradox Sports
NO BARRIERS
Accessible Mountain Campus Experience
With funding provided by The VF Foundation, No Barriers programs served 224 individuals at their Mountain Campus in Northern Colorado. They provided accessible outdoor experiences to people with disabilities who could not afford adaptive equipment, veterans healing from the mental and emotional trauma of their service and increased youth participation in outdoor activities.
Programs also provided full-time caregivers a chance to unplug and enjoy the solitude of nature. Activities included paddle boarding, rock climbing, outdoor yoga, mindfulness practice in an outdoor setting, hiking and a high ropes course.
$25,000 GRANT
“I would 100% recommend this experience. This program brings hope. With hope and growth, wonderful things happen.”
No Barriers program participant
PARADOX SPORTS
Grand Teton Adaptive Climbing Trip
USA
Paradox “Get Outside” programs are designed to provide free, life-changing opportunities for veterans, build community, self-esteem and self-reliance and contribute to overall positive mental health. With funding from The VF Foundation, Paradox team leaders summited the Grand Teton with nine combat veterans. As one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the U.S., the Grand Teton trip offered veterans an opportunity to advance their climbing skills, overcome physical and mental challenges
and forge lasting relationships through this transformational experience. This focus on veterans highlights a commitment to creating a welcoming environment within the outdoor and climbing communities that participants can rely on for ongoing support and encouragement.
$25,000 GRANT Photo
SOS OUTREACH
ISSUE:
Based on SOS Outreach’s research, while skiing and snowboarding are popular sports, the truth is many young people do not feel represented, included or welcomed on the mountains of winter resorts. Therefore, they don’t try these outdoor activities and they don’t see themselves in careers relating to snow sports because they have not been exposed to opportunities and possibilities to pursue them.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation, SOS expanded its Career Development Program, a seven-week job skills development and outdoor internship initiative that connects youth with leading outdoor industry partners to build connections and foster their passions on and off the mountain.
25% of the SOS Alumni Network served as mentors, volunteers and staff
91% of youth reported that SOS gave them opportunities to be leaders in their communities and in the outdoor industry through their work experiences
“ Smartwool® employees joined us for Ride Day, volunteering and experiencing our programs with our youth. They also joined our fundraiser in Silverton, Colorado as a sponsor for prize giveaways and to work alongside more than 50 members of our SOS community at our First Tracks event.”
SOS OUTREACH Career Development Pipeline
| Western Region, USA
Seth Ehrlich, Executive Director, SOS
With support from The VF Foundation, SOS expanded its Career Development Program, a seven-week job skills development and outdoor internship initiative that connects youth with leading outdoor industry partners. “Our program’s curriculum is informed by participant feedback and it has reinforced our belief that simply providing gear and access alone isn’t going to change the landscape of the winter sports industry,” explained Seth Ehrlich, Executive Director. “SOS develops a sense of belonging and community for participants, builds social and emotional learning skills and encourages strong character by applying core values through community service.”
$25,000 GRANT
Funding from The VF Foundation helped SOS double Career Development program sites from three to six, including Denver, Summit County, and Eagle, Colorado as well as Park City, Utah and North Lake and South Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada. “Support from The VF Foundation also helped the SOS Alumni Network engage 48 alumni as mentors, volunteers and staff,” Seth said. “This helps participants deepen their sense of belonging through seeing young adults just like them as leaders in the organization.”
THE SKATEPARK PROJECT
ISSUE:
Based on The Skatepark Project’s research, over 47,000 residents live within a half-mile radius of the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge with below-average access to parks and open space for gathering, play and relaxation.
IMPACT:
With funding from The VF Foundation and Vans® this initiative helped to revitalize the Brooklyn Banks, an iconic skateboarding spot and cultural touchstone for New York skate and action sports dating back to 1972, by providing quality outdoor recreational spaces for local youth. It is unlocking the potential of forgotten spaces under the Brooklyn Bridge, creating a new type of urban community park that nurtures connection, physical activity and resilience.
“The Skatepark Project and Vans® teamed up to host a ribbon cutting event and Go Skate Day at the Brooklyn Banks, attracting hundreds of visitors, promoting a sense of community and establishing this as a hub for skateboarding culture.”
Benjamin Anderson Bashein, CEO, The Skatepark Project
Photo courtesy of Lanna Apisukh
140,000
people expected to use the Brooklyn Banks Skate Park each year
THE SKATEPARK PROJECT
Brooklyn Banks Skate Park
| New York City
With help from a coalition of community support and funding from The VF Foundation and Vans®, the Brooklyn Banks skate park in New York City reopened and is now helping to establish a legacy of unity, connection, and urban renewal. Spearheaded by The Skatepark Project, the Brooklyn Banks initiative is transforming empty lots into vibrant green spaces and play areas. They are creating safe and welcoming public spaces, including free community skate parks and access to free skate equipment and programming.
“Our focus is on providing opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to engage in healthy outdoor recreation and form relationships,” said Benjamin Anderson Bashein, Chief Executive Officer. “Low-income communities often have fewer public recreational spaces than
more affluent communities. With fewer opportunities to participate in physical activities, these communities experience widening gaps in health outcomes.”
Benjamin explained that The VF Foundation funds played a vital role in community-based advocacy which led to the renovation of the skate park. “Since its reopening, the park has become a hub of activity for residents and visitors,” Benjamin said. “It has breathed life into the skate spot and also fostered a sense of belonging within the community.”
$250,000 GRANT
PROTECTING OUR PLANET
Seeding innovative, sustainable solutions. We partner with organizations and movements that help grow the fashion and outdoor industries’ role in fueling regenerative practices that help to create a positive relationship with nature.
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SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ALLIANCE
ISSUE:
Based on research by the Smallholder Farmers Alliance, Haiti’s agricultural economy has been in crisis for decades due to deforestation and a lack of training and resources for smallholder farmers (farmers tending to less than five acres). Smallholder farmers need ways to grow, transplant and look after trees, earn money, practice sustainable agriculture and expand their markets for selling produce.
IMPACT:
Grant funding from The VF Foundation made it possible for farmers to scale up regenerative agriculture practices, including regeneratively-sourced cotton; provide micro loans and training for farmers; expand market opportunities and educate farmers on sustainable agriculture and agroforestry practices.
250 farms grew regeneratively-sourced cotton this year
150 farms directly impacted by expanding markets for smallholder producers
~5,784
Smallholder farmers and their families were impacted by this grant
Photo by Thomas Norielle, courtesy of Smallholder Farmers Alliance
“This has been an ongoing partnership with The VF Foundation. Among other accomplishments, it has led to our farmers producing an early example of a verified regenerative crop.”
Hugh Locke, Co-founder, Smallholder Farmers Alliance
SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ALLIANCE
Haiti Vert Program
Based on research by the Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA), smallholder farmers grow more than half the food consumed in many countries in the developing world and they are essential for global food security, reforestation and women’s economic empowerment. “The Smallholder Farmers Alliance was created because we know that smallholder farmers can reach their full potential through an entrepreneurial model of development,” explained Hugh Locke, the SFA’s Co-founder.
“Several years ago, the organization was fueled by our partnership with The VF Foundation and Timberland®. Today, grant funding from The VF Foundation makes it possible for us to add farms, training capacity and infrastructure to our regenerative program.”
The VF Foundation grant funding is also seeding the launch of a new SFA service to market smallholder produce to larger buyers, directly impacting 2,200 smallholder farmers. “We are creating a way for smallholder farmers
to access groups that purchase in bulk,” Hugh said. “We’re helping them consolidate and improve quality and we serve as a broker to help sell beans, maize and rice on behalf of smallholders to a large national NGO that provides school meals for students.”
With help from this funding, the SFA was also able to increase their microcredit loan program, providing loans and basic business training for smallholder entrepreneurs for farm improvement and to support secondary businesses they set up to supplement their farm incomes. Additionally, a number of university graduates in the SFA’s ‘Green Corps’ internship program were hired to support improvements in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry while expanding the SFA model.
$100,000 GRANT
| Haiti
FORUM FOR THE FUTURE KISS THE GROUND &
ISSUE:
Based on Kiss the Ground’s research, the majority of U.S. soils are extremely degraded. Topsoil loss is occurring at a rate of 4.6 tons per acre per year on agricultural land, negatively affecting the health of land and water and contributing to biodiversity loss. The Farm Bill remains one of the country’s most successful and important conservation programs to address this issue.
IMPACT:
With help from The VF Foundation, Kiss the Ground has dedicated significant resources and skills to develop a comprehensive campaign strategy and build a powerful farmer-led coalition. And, supported by The VF Foundation grant, Forum for the Future has helped accelerate policy change and is working to enable regenerative practices in the United States.
Photo
KISS THE GROUND
Agriculture Coalition
| USA
Kiss the Ground’s (KTG) advocacy work stewards the Regenerate America Coalition made up of farmers, ranchers, non-profits, experts, companies, and citizens spanning the nation and the political spectrum. They are committed to rebuilding America’s soil by making regenerative agriculture a centerpiece of the next Farm Bill. With help from The VF Foundation, KTG has dedicated
significant resources and skills to develop a comprehensive campaign strategy and build a powerful farmer-led coalition. Thousands of farmers are represented from all 50 states, backed by a 16-member Farmer Leadership Council, 26-member Business Network and over 30,000 public supporters.
$50,000 GRANT
“With collective action and focused advocacy, we can build capacity to begin to rewrite the rules that underpin the current agriculture system.”
Priya Kvam, Associate Director of Global Development, Forum for the Future
FORUM FOR THE FUTURE
Supporting the Regenerative Movement
| USA
Supported by The VF Foundation grant, the Growing our Future program has accelerated policy change and is working to enable regenerative practices in the United States. Forum for the Future has convened farmers, ranchers, farm workers, nonprofits, corporations and other stakeholders to advocate for regenerative policies on the Farm Bill through system-wide gatherings and fly-ins on Capitol Hill. They have curated strategic
communications campaigns, built coalitions via webinars, advocated shared priorities and legislation and are fostering connectivity to ensure that the priorities of grassroots coalitions are represented.
$100,000 GRANT
WATER.ORG
ISSUE:
In Kenya, 15 million people lack access to safe water and 37 million lack access to a safe toilet. Growing water demand and water scarcity have turned into a notable challenge. Drought, population growth, urbanization, water pollution and poor management of water resources have aggravated the water crisis, which affects economic activities, food security, education and health.
IMPACT:
With help from The VF Foundation, Water.org expanded its work with members of Kenya’s Association of Microfinance Institutions to train staff with knowledge and skills to raise public awareness of their Water and Sanitation Solutions (WSS) loans and develop promotional materials to generate interest in the program, resulting in 11,455 people accessing affordable loans.
SUCCESS STORY
Enock is a 29-year-old entrepreneur in Mlolongo, Kenya. He runs a small café and noticed that community members made daily trips in search of water before and after their physically taxing work as day laborers. The region’s rocky terrain often leads to water shortages, and the water typically has high saline and is unsuitable for drinking or cooking. To meet the community demand for safe, accessible and affordable water, Enock secured a loan to start a water vending business, including two water tanks that hold 8,000 liters of water. He now serves 60 households a day with fresh water and provides water for a nearby school, earning more than enough to cover his monthly loan payment.
11,455 people reached with access to affordable loans
66.9
million liters of volumetric water benefit resulting from activities aimed at improving water stewardship
WATER.ORG
Expanding Water and Sanitation Access
Water.org has brought safe water and sanitation to millions of people across the globe through affordable financing. In Kenya, they are working to address water and sanitation challenges and meet the targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Kenyan Government estimates a need of at least $740 million annually for water and sanitation projects, but they can only contribute less than two-thirds of this cost, leaving a significant funding gap.
In order to bridge this gap, organizations like Water.org contribute financial resources, expertise and technical assistance to increase financing for water and sanitation. “One of the major barriers to safe water and sanitation in Kenya is affordable financing,” explained Benjamin Albert, Head of Corporate Partnerships for Water.org. “To address this issue, we created WaterCredit, which helps make small
loans possible for those who need access to affordable financing for household water and toilet solutions.”
With help from The VF Foundation, Water.org expanded its work with Kenya’s Association of Microfinance Institutions to train staff with knowledge and skills to raise public awareness of their affordable Water and Sanitation Solutions (WSS) loans and develop promotional materials to generate interest in the loans. Benjamin said, “By making household water and sanitation solutions accessible to individuals living in poverty, we are working toward the day when everyone, regardless of financial situation, has access to these essential resources.”
$100,000 GRANT
| Kenya
ORANGE COUNTY COASTKEEPER
ISSUE:
According to the Orange County Department of Education, one of the main challenges to student success in STEM-related pathways (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is the lack of integrated science and math curriculum in grades 7-12. Additionally, a lack of access to the outdoors can limit meaningful engagement with nature.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation, Coastkeeper’s education program helped students explore a variety of watershed and ecological concepts and apply textbook concepts to realworld conservation experiences.
“We provide hands-on environmental science experiences that inform and empower the future caretakers of our environment while emphasizing science taught in the classroom.”
Dyana Peña, Director of Programs, Orange County Coastkeeper
Photo courtesy of Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY COASTKEEPER
Santa Ana River Watershed Education Program
| California
Coastkeeper’s WHALES program (Watershed Heroes: Actions Linking Education to Stewardship) was created to increase participation and achievement in STEM fields for middle and high school students. It includes hands-on research, field experience and group projects and exposes students to environmental science projects that involve monitoring and restoring coastal habitats, testing hypotheses and analyzing data. With support from The VF Foundation, the program helped students explore a variety of watershed and ecological concepts and apply textbook concepts to real-world conservation experiences. They learned to think critically about solutions to environmental issues and had the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field, introducing them to pathways into STEM-related careers.
“Because our audience lives primarily in highly urbanized areas, teachers often tell us their students have not had meaningful experiences in natural areas,” explained Dyana Peña, Director of Programs. “The WHALES program connects these students to their local environment, while kindling new excitement for science.”
Coastkeeper is also collaborating with Inland Empire Waterkeeper to provide a comprehensive water industry career education program for middle and high school students titled FLOWW (Future Leaders Of the Water Workforce). Its goal is to enhance students’ engagement in STEM and introduce them to careers in the water industry rooted in environmental stewardship.
$25,000 GRANT
75% of students expressed interest in being stewards of their watershed and community 85% of students expressed increased knowledge of urban impacts on watersheds
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WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
ISSUE:
The Büyük Menderes (BM) Basin plays a pivotal role in Türkiye’s economic landscape. It generates 60% of the country’s textile exports, is the secondlargest cotton-producing region and is home to important wetlands and endangered species. However, the basin faces major environmental challenges in water quantity and quality driven by changing land use, industrial and agricultural practices and drought.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation, this World Wildlife Fund program created a modern irrigation pilot project on cotton farms to advance conservation and sustainable use of water resources in fragile habitats.
$8.2 M
17.9 Ha
A feasibility study showed investments of water and energy saving projects could yield annual savings of $8.2 million across textile companies reliant on the Basin
of Better Cotton farms are being monitored as part of developing a Regenerative Scorecard to evaluate and enhance regenerative practices
“Using the Regenerative Scorecard has given us clear guidance on how to improve soil health. It provides a wide range of options, allowing us to sustain regenerative farming practices while adapting to environmental challenges like drought and climate risks.”
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
Water Stewardship in Büyük Menderes Basin
The Büyük Menderes (BM) Basin supplies water to 2.5 million people and provides water for agriculture, textile exports and cotton production, supporting the livelihoods of 30,000 individuals. However, textile production in this region faces significant threats due to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems in the basin. The cotton sector is also increasingly vulnerable because of drought and the widespread use of water-intensive flood irrigation practices.
“The textile and leather industries are the leading industrial sectors in the BM basin of Türkiye and the river delta has been recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) for breeding and wintering water birds,” explained Daniel Brizuela, Manager of Private Sector Engagement for World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
“Through the implementation of water stewardship, this program aims to serve as a model of conservation and sustainable use of water resources that can eventually be scaled up to other basins in Türkiye.”
With support from The VF Foundation, this program created a modern irrigation pilot project on cotton farms. WWF also developed a Regenerative Scorecard for cotton farming to serve as a practical tool for farmers and agricultural engineers to evaluate and enhance regenerative practices across various cotton farms. And, through advocacy efforts, they have successfully implemented regenerative agriculture practices via Better Cotton farms, contributing to more sustainable cotton production.
$104,000 GRANT
Cotton farmer in Büyük Menderes region
| Türkiye
SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE
ISSUE:
Despite the well-established benefits of regenerative agriculture, less than 10% of U.S. cotton cropland is managed using the soil health practice of cover cropping. In U.S. cotton production, adoption of this practice is hindered by lack of economic information, soil health training programs, knowledge of the most effective soil health measurements and a process to establish benchmarks so farmers know what level of soil health and carbon sequestration can be achieved on their farm.
IMPACT:
Thanks to funding from The VF Foundation, the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund (USRCF) is engaging more growers in this movement, empowering and educating them through soil health training via in-person workshops and field days, farmer training events, speaking engagements and webinars.
10.5M
acres across the cotton belt established as soil health & carbon benchmarks
SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE
U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund
As an initiative of the Soil Health Institute (SHI), the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund’s (USRCF) goal is to draw down 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere by 2026 through increased adoption of regenerative soil health practices by cotton farmers. “Improving soil health simultaneously benefits farmers and the environment,” explained Byron Rath, Chief Impact Officer for the Soil Health Institute. “Farmers benefit from these practices through increased drought and flood resilience, more efficient use of nutrients and decreased erosion risk. They also experience lower input costs and less fuel consumption and potentially greater yield stability.“
Those same soil health practices are equally good for the environment. They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase
carbon sequestration. They also improve water quality, decrease sedimentation of reservoirs, stabilize local hydrology and provide all the benefits of pollinator habitats.
Thanks to funding from The VF Foundation, the USRCF is engaging more growers in this movement, empowering and educating them through soil health training via inperson workshops and field days, farmer training events, speaking engagements and webinars. They are also establishing soil health economics and are standardizing measurements and goal setting through their Soil Health Benchmarks.
$250,000 GRANT
WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
“By increasing use of secondary and sustainably produced fibers, and fundamentally transforming the way clothes are designed, sold and disposed of, businesses can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leakage and pollution and their use of freshwater and land.”
ISSUE:
Less than half of used clothes are collected for reuse or recycling when they are no longer needed. Only 1% are recycled into new clothes, and despite efforts to adopt circular business models by many companies globally, circularity at scale remains a challenge in the fashion sector.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) worked to provide sector-specific guidance and data to the fashion industry with the aim of safeguarding biodiversity, reducing climate risks and supporting sustainable growth of supply chains through greater adoption of the WBCSD’s Circular Transition Indicators (CTI).
Irene Martinetti, Manager of Circular Economy, WBCSD
Photo courtesy of WBCSD
practitioners participated in the CTI Fashion Initiative’s launch, webinars and workshops
WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Circular Transition Indicators Fashion Initiative
| Global
The CTI Fashion Initiative was kickstarted thanks to collaborative leadership from VF Corporation, The VF Foundation, Deloitte and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Leveraging grant funding, they built an ecosystem of companies and circularity-focused organizations from the fashion and textile sector. Together, they developed an aligned understanding of what it means to adopt circularity principles and how companies can contribute to circularity across the value chain based on WBCSD’s Circular Transition Indicators (CTI).
$150,000 GRANT
CTIs were developed in collaboration with over 30 companies and these indicators help businesses from different industries worldwide measure and improve their circularity performance. It is already the most used framework to measure circularity globally and with funds from The VF Foundation, the WBSCD worked to provide sector-specific guidance and data to the fashion industry.
“The linear economy model in fashion is unsustainable,” explained Irene Martinetti, Manager of Circular Economy for WBCSD.
“From a business perspective, it creates legal, market, business and operational risks. Additionally, more stringent government regulations on resource use are reshaping business models and financing. Companies that don’t shift to circular strategies and business models, will be left behind.” This standardized approach to measuring circularity helps align incentives and stimulate investments towards more circular and sustainable operations while preparing companies to meet in-scope sustainability regulatory requirements.
POWERING POTENTIAL
Unlocking opportunity through education and economic empowerment. We are helping foster community economic resilience and investing in education resources and tools for everyone to thrive. We’re driving positive change for the future of the apparel and outdoor recreation industries, and helping to grow a talent pipeline that will fuel the next generation of creatives and outside of the box thinkers.
Photo courtesy of Shimmy
OUTDOOR RECREATION
ROUNDTABLE
ISSUE:
As the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy gains national prominence, the growth of the outdoor recreation movement requires alignment between leading organizations at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that outdoor recreation enjoys sustained and coordinated investment in infrastructure and workforce development, and that outdoor communities, especially in Rural America, gain economic diversification and resilience.
IMPACT:
Funding from The VF Foundation helped Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) implement new harmonized efforts across their programs including Workforce and Rural Development and State Recreation Offices, including the Confluence of States. Funding supported ORR’s work to advance strategies to build a more resilient outdoor recreation economy across the U.S. and build coalitions to tackle new opportunities in access, public health, economic development, workforce development and stewardship.
“Together with The VF Foundation, we are not only enhancing our communities but also aligning with our shared vision of creating transformative experiences in the outdoor spaces we cherish.”
Katherine Andrews, Chair, Confluence of States, and Director, Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation
OUTDOOR RECREATION ROUNDTABLE
Workforce and Rural Development
| USA
Thanks to past support from The VF Foundation, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is now seen as a key stakeholder of rural economic development, workforce coordination, and state outdoor recreation leadership. Continued support from The VF Foundation has helped ORR advance strategies to build a more welcoming and resilient outdoor workforce across the U.S. including targeted education and outreach to youth-serving organizations, colleges and universities.
“Outdoor career advancement is a multifaceted challenge in trust-building, corporate
buy-in and curricular development, plus providing basic life supports like affordable housing in recreation communities,” explained Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs for ORR. ”We can’t solve these issues overnight, but our new Roadmap for a 21st Century Outdoor Workforce develops programming that we know will start to make headway.”
ORR also assisted in the creation of five new State Offices of Outdoor Recreation. “We worked closely with the Confluence of States to expand its impact nationwide including public events like the National
38 Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum which included CEOs, governors, members of Congress, and agency leaders.” With support from The VF Foundation, the Confluence of States also adopted a historic fifth pillar, called ‘Opportunity and Experience’ to identify the need for states to support programs that lift barriers to accessing the outdoors.
$50,000 GRANT 214
New State Offices of Outdoor Recreation created in Connecticut, Minnesota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee
Registrants attended Outdoor Workforce Expert Series highlighting strategies for emergent entrepreneurs in the outdoor workforce
The Confluence of States welcomes new state offices of outdoor recreation from Minnesota and North Dakota at the 2024 Outdoor Media Summit.
RISE (REIMAGINING INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT EQUALITY)
ISSUE:
Women workers in Guatemala often face limited access to formal financial services, career advancement and higher-paying job opportunities. They also risk sexual harassment and gender-based violence, with more than 70% of women reporting having experienced violent situations in their workplaces.
~4,000
IMPACT:
The RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality) initiative scales impact and accelerates empowerment for workers in global garment supply chains. With funding from The VF Foundation, RISE is working to tackle barriers in Guatemala’s workplaces, conduct needs assessments and understand opportunities for positive change in the garment industry.
workers reached in four factories through the RISE Respect program
RISE (REIMAGINING INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT EQUALITY)
RISE Respect
|
Guatemala
Despite the textile industry playing a pivotal role in Guatemala’s economy and providing employment for a substantial portion of the population, the garment sector can be a challenging industry for women. RISE is working to create greater awareness and promote safe and respectful working environments for women in this area.
RISE is a collaborative platform that works with member companies to enroll garment factories into one of the RISE programs which are then developed and delivered in partnership with local organizations. Together, they deepen impact and build scale in a number of ways, including adopting an evolved approach for brands and suppliers to address gender-based violence and women’s advancement and leadership.
With funding from The VF Foundation, RISE is delivering “RISE Respect” programming in factories in Guatemala, piloting a comprehensive approach to preventing and remediating Gender Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) in the garment sector.
“Violence against women is a serious issue in Guatemala and situational factors, specific to the garment sector, increase risks of harassment and violence in the world of work and prevent reporting and responding,” says Christine Svarer, Executive Director of RISE.
“Working with our local partners and factories, we have an opportunity to create workplaces that are based on respect, safety and dignity.”
In partnership with CARE Guatemala, RISE conducted a needs assessment to understand
barriers to prevention, workplace violence and existing policies and factory approaches. The VF Foundation funding has also helped create mapping of local organizations that support women including psychological support, legal support and shelter access in Guatemala to educate workers on available wraparound services to support their health and wellbeing and personal agency.
$250,000 GRANT
CIVIC CENTER CONSERVANCY
“WORKS and the Conservancy’s SPARKLES volunteer program, collectively added over 3,300 hours of supplemental maintenance to Civic Center Park, substantially lessening the burden on the City & County of Denver as it works to meet the needs of its outdoor spaces.”
ISSUE:
Civic Center is a National Historic Landmark in Denver recognized for its beautiful architecture and place for the community to gather. Based on Civic Center Conservancy’s research, it had also been perceived by residents as unwelcoming during the COVID-19 pandemic due to chronic homelessness and public safety concerns.
IMPACT:
With support from The VF Foundation, the Conservancy’s WORKS program engages the unhoused population in park upkeep through workforce development, aiding their transition out of homelessness and providing a sense of park ownership.
Sara Leitch, Director of External Affairs, Civic Center Conservancy
Photo
CIVIC CENTER CONSERVANCY
WORKS Workforce Development Program
| Denver, Colorado
“We are able to give those who are often overlooked a chance to tell their own stories here. It has garnered a lot of interest in examining ways to solve tough workforce and maintenance issues and has shown how the Conservancy’s model can be replicated elsewhere.”
Sara Leitch, Director of External Affairs
After a survey showed that 40% of Denver residents felt Civic Center was where they were least safe in downtown, the park closed to the public and reopened a year later with a plan for ways to grow solutions and build infrastructure. This included their “WORKS” program which identifies park needs and then finds communities and partners to fill the gap. “The program is now entering its fourth year and grant funding has helped us polish our framework so that we can expand it to other needs in the park,” explained Sara Leitch, Director of External Affairs. “We’ve been able to have larger community events and reach additional communities including a WORKS program for youth.”
$30,000 GRANT
With support from the VF Foundation, The WORKS program has helped the Conservancy accomplish three important goals: increasing economic mobility, giving opportunity to the chronically unhoused, and increasing wellness for community members by helping them unlock the benefits of the outdoors.
“We’ve learned that when we prioritize people, the park benefits,” Sara said. “By intentionally considering who gets an opportunity to elevate a community space, we address park needs, create ownership among a new community, and build goodwill across the larger Denver community for a group that has experienced stigma. We’ve also learned that sometimes a small program run by a small organization can have a big impact.”
THE RESILIENCE FUND
ISSUE:
Health, safety and agency are essential to one’s economic resilience. However, gender-based violence and lack of access to health services have limited women and girls in global value chains from participating fully in society. This is especially a challenge in the Global South.
IMPACT:
The Resilience Fund for Women in Global Value Chains, which is managed by the United Nations Foundation’s Universal Access Project, brings together companies, foundations and NGO leaders to invest in women’s health, safety and economic resilience. The Fund is flipping the script on traditional, top-down philanthropy and is a powerful model of trustbased giving, pooled corporate funding and cross-sectoral learning and engagement that places trust and resources into the hands of women-led organizations to determine the best solutions for their own communities.
Photo courtesy of United Nations Foundation
THE RESILIENCE FUND
United Nations Foundation’s Universal Access Project
|
Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, & Vietnam
With its unique model, The Resilience Fund for Women in Global Value Chains is becoming recognized as one of the most innovative initiatives in philanthropic and private sectors. The Fund transforms corporate philanthropy, explores new approaches that shift power in grantmaking, reimagines traditional ways of measuring impact and funnels resources to those with lived experience who are advancing local solutions in their communities.
For three years, the Fund directed resources to organizations in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India and Vietnam. Now, thanks in part to funding from The VF Foundation, it has also focused on building its model and systems, expanding its influence and documenting its impact and granteepartner learnings.
Access Project. “The long-term impact is transforming communities, strengthening movements, empowering women with opportunities to have safe and healthy lives and ensuring their rights are upheld, protected and respected.”
With support from The VF Foundation, the Fund also invested in major improvements in its data visualization and supply chain mapping, added new Southeast Asia grantee-partners and facilitated the first inperson convening of South Asia grantees and partners in Nepal for learning, impact sharing and needs assessment.
$3.2M
$250,000 GRANT in capacity building grants and organizational support disbursed to date
“The Resilience Fund supports granteepartners, strengthens their work and creates environments for women’s leadership and empowerment,” explained Dilly Severin, Executive Director of The Universal
GREENSBORO CHAMBER FOUNDATION
ISSUE:
Entrepreneurship and cultivating small business development play a vital role in the growth of economies through the creation of new jobs and in promoting economic mobility. However, barriers often exist for startups and small enterprises such as lack of access to knowledge, resources and capital to turn their dreams into reality.
IMPACT:
The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with more than 100 business and civic leaders in the greater Greensboro community to develop an innovative, strategic action plan called GROW. With support from The VF Foundation, GROW is rebuilding a thriving local economy by creating quality jobs, retaining and expanding existing industry, fostering entrepreneurial business development and expanding the workforce pipeline.
Photo courtesy of Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
GREENSBORO CHAMBER FOUNDATION
GROW Initiative
| Greensboro, North Carolina
GROW is a multi-year initiative that works to enhance the economic vitality of the greater Greensboro area. “In one year of the GROW initiative we helped to add over 4,500 jobs and $11B in capital investment while helping 79 new companies get started or expand, generating $3.3M in new small business revenues,” explained Tracy Myers, Executive Vice President, Member & Investor Engagement.
Funding from The VF Foundation also helped the Greensboro Chamber Foundation create a comprehensive Workforce Development Plan and benchmarking tools. They tapped into the collective insights of over 600 local businesses and organizations regarding talent and workforce needs. And, their
“Launch Greensboro” programs tripled the number of entrepreneurs taking advantage of free resources.
The Greensboro Chamber Foundation works closely with the City of Greensboro and East Greensboro NOW to market East Greensboro to prospective employers and help to attract new companies to the area. They are dedicated to growing the talent and workforce pipeline through advocacy and legislative work and their Start & Grow Our Own program supports entrepreneurial programs.
$100,000
WATERAID
ISSUE:
Despite a growing tourism industry, Cambodia remains one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia. Based on WaterAid’s research, one in five people don’t have access to safe drinking water, and one in five don’t have access to a toilet. Even when water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are available, women, girls and people living with a disability often face greater obstacles in accessing services to fit their needs.
IMPACT:
WaterAid works to lift barriers to WASH services around the world in communities that lack access to clean water. Building off of a multi-year partnership in Cambodia with VF and The VF Foundation, current funding is helping them increase access to critical WASH services including reaching over 11,545 beneficiaries in the Kandal province, where people live in flood-prone areas.
“Cambodian women still face limitations in the WASH sector and in the workplace with a lack of professional development opportunities and promotion capacity. WASH programming ensures their participation and leadership in design, implementation and decision-making.”
Nefertiti Saleh, Director of Partnerships, WaterAid America
Photo courtesy of WaterAid
WATERAID
Sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
|
Cambodia
Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is essential for reducing poverty and critical for preventing the spread of deadly diseases. In Cambodia, only 44% of people have basic water service. Many Cambodians face challenges connecting their homes to piped access for safe water, and water quality is also a barrier due to water operators’ limited capacities. While there have been improvements in sanitation in recent years, efforts from district governments, the World Health Organization and UN agencies have not been enough.
“WaterAid uses a system-wide approach to strengthen the WASH sector by addressing all the dimensions which make sustainable WASH possible,” explained Nefertiti Saleh,
Director of Partnerships for WaterAid America. “We ensure that education and good practices support other initiatives while also working in collaboration with key stakeholders to maximize impact.”
With support from The VF Foundation, more than 7,500 participants joined in meetings, workshops, and capacity-building activities on WASH practices and piped water benefits. WaterAid trained and empowered over 600 participants to understand their rights to hold service providers accountable. And, they facilitated meetings between the community, authorities and private water operators to discuss community needs and develop improvement plans for WASH service delivery.
1,676
$125,000 GRANT
households (7,207 people) gained access to piped water connections
Photo
HUMANITARIAN RELIEF
Bringing hope, dignity and opportunity to those in need. We unite VF’s people and family of brands to support humanitarian relief and recovery efforts around the world. This includes The VF Foundation’s monetary donations and matching grants, VF’s product donations to support organizations with expertise in emergency response and rebuilding efforts, and VF employee donations and volunteerism.
Photo
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS
Middle East Humanitarian Crisis
The Red Cross and global affiliates respond to disasters and other crises around the world by mobilizing cash support, pre-positioning relief supplies, deploying disaster response experts and implementing recovery and preparedness programs.
Collective donations enabled the vital work of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in response to the devastation that began with the attacks on October 7, 2023. Aid was provided to people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
The VF Foundation ran a match campaign for employees, friends and family, and donated $160,000 to the ICRC, a neutral humanitarian organization that helps both Palestinians and Israelis impacted by the conflict. Funding went towards medical supplies, ensuring access to food and clean water, and facilitation of contact between the missing and detained and their families.
On August 8, 2023, wildfires ignited and spread quickly on Maui, fueled by dry winds from Hurricane Dora passing south of the state, resulting in one of the largest natural disasters in state history.
HAWAI’I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Maui Wildfires
Vans® has a long-standing relationship with the Hawaiian community through surfing, action sports customers and retail stores. In response to the fires, Vans, other VF brands and The VF Foundation responded quickly with apparel and footwear donations and a collective monetary contribution to the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Nearly 100 VF employees, friends and family contributed to the Foundation’s match campaign, raising a total of nearly $40,000.
The impact of the Fund has been realized through the efforts of grantees on the ground, working tirelessly to support a wide array of community needs through countless acts of aloha.
VOLUNTEERISM
Serving community as agents of social change. From donating clothing and footwear to youth and families in need, to helping clean up and preserve our outdoor playgrounds, volunteerism energizes VF’s employees and brands around the world as we work together to improve communities.
VF employees contributed over 256,00 volunteer hours from FY 2019 through FY 2024.
The following stories cover volunteer activities in FY 2024 - FY 2025.
Photo courtesy of VF Corporation
AMERICAS
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
of
Vans® employees participated in a beach cleanup event during Earth Month with Orange County Coastkeeper where they removed 82 Pounds of trash from Bolsa Chica State Beach, 148 pounds of trash from Calafia State Beach and prevented 141 pounds of trash from entering the ocean at Newport Beach.
DENVER, COLORADO
Employees from The North Face® volunteered as skiers in the Annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup at Winter Park Resort to raise funds for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). This event helps ensure those living with disabilities are able to recreate in the Great Outdoors. The brand also donated their iconic Base Camp duffel bags to NSCD staff and athletes.
STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Timberland® is committed to social responsibility and strengthening communities. Their signature Serv-a-Palooza, an annual event that celebrates community service and volunteerism, included support for Cross Roads House, Chase Home for Children, and Dress a Girl Around the World – all right in or near headquarters in Stratham, NH.
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
VF employees joined Greensboro Parks Foundation for the Keeley Park Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail Grand Opening - the city’s first adaptive mountain bike trail designed to allow people of all abilities to access the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of mountain biking. Construction of the 2+ miles of trail was funded in part by The VF Foundation and is a new hub for inclusive recreation.
Volunteer Impact EUROPE
STABIO, SWITZERLAND
The North Face® and VF employees participate annually in Summit Foundation’s Cleanup Tour, a series of events focused on preserving the Alpine landscape by organizing waste collection activities in mountain resorts across Switzerland and Italy. This work raises awareness about littering and environmental issues.
VARESE, ITALY
Timberland® and VF colleagues gathered for a forest cleanup event in collaboration with Amici di Bregazzana. Equipped with gloves, trash bags, and a shared passion for preserving nature, the volunteers worked to ensure the forest remains a beautiful haven for both wildlife and visitors.
VF employees from the Bardon Distribution Center volunteered at the RSPCA Animal Shelter to help setup stalls, marquees, a dog agility course and demonstration stations for major events and festivals. VF volunteers also organize seasonal donations of food, toys, and necessities to the shelter.
ASIA PACIFIC
Volunteer Impact
MAINLAND CHINA
Vans® donated 2,700 pairs of shoes to four schools in Qinghai, China, marking the eighth year of its Purpose Program. The program aims not only to provide material support but also to offer opportunities for self-expression for young students from impoverished areas. Since 2017, the program has journeyed through five provinces, donating a total of 15,000 pairs of shoes. Alongside the donation, Vans organized skateboarding and art workshops to empower students and inspire creativity, impacting over 20,000 teachers and students.
CAMBODIA
VF employees partnered with WaterAid to expand clean water access, reliable sanitation, and basic hygiene practices at Wat Kraing School. Over 300 students benefited through hygiene quizzes and education classes to equip youth with critical knowledge and tools to stay healthy and safe from infectious diseases.
VF employees spent a day at Chen Su Lan Children’s Home bringing warmth and color to the children’s space by painting a vibrant mural designed by a local artist, gardening and refreshing outdoor furniture.
THE VF FOUNDATION TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS GLOBAL GRANTS REVIEW COMMITTEE STAFF
BRACKEN DARRELL
President & CEO
VF Corporation | Foundation Chair
BRENT HYDER
Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer & President AMER VF Corporation | Foundation Vice Chair
COLIN WHEELER
Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications
VF Corporation | Foundation President
JENN SIM
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
VF Corporation | Foundation Secretary
DOUG HASSMAN
Vice President, Global Tax & Treasury
VF Corporation | Foundation Treasurer
DENISE ANDERSON
Head of Marketing, Americas The North Face®
ALICIA CHIN
Director, Sustainability & Social Impact Altra®, icebreaker®, Smartwool®
JEANNIE RENNÉ-MALONE
Vice President, Global Sustainability VF Corporation
SARA STEFANSKI
Vice President, Global Responsible Sourcing VF Corporation
DION GOODMAN
Senior Director, Global IDEA VF Corporation
JANINE PIETERSE
Vice President, Enterprise Planning VF Corporation
JULIE SUTTON
Senior Director, Government Affairs VF Corporation
GLORIA SCHOCH
Senior Director, Global Impact, VF Corporation & Executive Director, VF Foundation
JENNIFER MARGOLES
Program Manager, Global Impact, VF Corporation & VF Foundation
