Gucci opens applications for latest North America Gucci Changemakers program on Giving Tuesday

By

Roxanne Robinson

Published
Nov 30, 2022

It's been a week of change at Gucci, with Alessandro Michele stepping down after seven years leading the brand and twenty in total at the company.

The wildly imaginative creative director's vision for the brand exemplified the artistic and intellectual brilliance the Italian luxury firm values. While many changes are on the horizon for the brand, one thing that remains is Gucci's commitment to supporting the dynamic creatives and leaders of tomorrow.

On Giving Tuesday, the label opened the fourth chapter of its Gucci Changemakers North America initiative titled 'Designing a Future Untold' for the prize awarded to organizations and individuals imagining and reshaping the future to create positive change. The program includes its Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Program and Impact Fund to support talented students and the non-profit organizations that advocate for them and offer opportunities within diverse communities.

The firm took the opportunity of the charitable day of giving to announce it has already invested close to $4.7 million in a multi-year commitment to community funding and scholarship programs. Gucci believes these investments empower a diverse youth group through education and amplify its voice. The money also supports grassroots organizations driving lasting change.

"It is only fitting we launch the fourth chapter of North America Gucci Changemakers initiative on Giving Tuesday. This is a day in which we all strive to give back to our communities and empower the next generation of Gucci Changemakers to leave their mark of generosity for years to come," said Antoine Phillips, VP of brand and culture engagement at Gucci.

"Gucci is committed to bringing more impactful and dynamic social good initiatives to fruition in the weeks, months, and years to come. This moment is the start of the next chapter illustrating the optimism, creativity, and innovation for the next generation of Gucci Changemakers in arts and culture."

Since its inception in 2019, the Changemakers Scholarship Program has received almost 4,000 applications resulting in 56 U.S.-based students. These young creatives have launched and expanded clothing lines, directed award-winning short films and expanded community non-profit organizations, and exhibited artwork in museums and exhibits globally.

The 12 students awarded must have at least two semesters left next fall at an accredited institution and includes a one-year scholarship for up to $20,000 based on need. The scholarship program encourages students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and diverse students studying fashion, design, art, business, merchandising, law, film, music, and other creative or business-oriented programs within the 12 Changemakers focus cities to apply.

Simultaneously, the Gucci Changemakers Impact Fund has awarded 43 grants since 2019 out of 2,000 organization applications. The net effect of these organizations has positively impacted the lives of over 550,000 community members in the United States. For example, these programs have helped provide mental health services for Black women in Chicago, helped reimagine criminal justice policies in Louisiana, and helped provide economic and health support to the LGBTQ+ communities in Los Angeles, among other grassroots community lifting activities. The Impact Fund awards up to $1 million in grant funding to 12 community-based 501(c)(3) organizations across the select Changemaker cities. Additionally, organizations focusing on reducing gun violence, increasing access to voting, and supporting individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate. Each awardee will receive a one-year grant for $50,000 beginning in the Summer of 2023.

For the fourth installment, the brand has recruited New-York based director and photographer Bon Duke to create a short film featuring three Gucci Changemakers scholars and creatives. Initial applications are due by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, February 3, 2023.