Name of Foundation: Ben and Jerry’s Foundation
Location: South Burlington, VT
Contact info: www.benandjerrysfoundation.org Phone: (802) 846-1500
Coverage Area: Throughout the United States (focus on Vermont)
Subject Area: Social justice, Environmental issues, supporting sustainable food systems
Assets: $5.1 million (2010)
Last Year Total Giving: $1.8 million (2010)
In a nutshell: The foundation was created in 1985 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company. The foundation started with a gift from Ben & Jerry’s to fund community-oriented projects. The company’s board of director’s at the foundations inception decided to commit 7.5 percent of the company’s annual pre-tax profits to philanthropy.
In 2000, the company was acquired by Unilever, a global company. Unilever continues to support the foundation through an annual grant.
There is a focus on programs and projects within the state of Vermont, the home of Ben and Jerry’s. The foundation takes a unique approach to grant making by involving Ben & Jerry’s employees who serve on committees that review grants and set priorities.
Major Programs:
The Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program
The National Movement Building Grant Program
Vermont Capacity Building Grant Program
The Vermont Community Action Teams Program
Employee Matching Gift Program
How to Apply: Each program has its own application procedures. Click here, to learn more about Ben and Jerry’s grant procedures.
Recent News and Grant making: