Gucci Changemakers North America Expands Programming and Launches the Fifth Chapter of the Impact Fund and Scholarship Program
Gucci celebrates its ongoing commitment to impact in North America and launches Creative Fellows program to ignite creative opportunities
Gucci officially opens applications for the fifth chapter of the Gucci Changemakers North America initiative, including the Scholarship Program and Impact Fund, supporting talented students and non-profit organizations. The fifth chapter of Gucci Changemakers is titled “Igniting Creative Opportunity,” and the awardees will be individuals and organizations who inspire positive social change and break down barriers in arts and culture.
Furthering its commitment to empower meaningful change, Gucci Changemakers North America is proud to expand its programming with a new Creative Fellows Initiative to uplift leaders who use creativity to spark social action and community impact. The invite-only program, initially for past Gucci Changemakers Scholarship recipients, will provide a grant, of up to $25,000, and mentorship to support the Fellows in the next chapter of their work through sponsorship of a project with a business plan.
To celebrate Gucci Changemakers North America’s fifth Chapter, Gucci will host a celebration in Washington, DC, at The REACH, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event will include a conversation on creative leaders igniting social change moderated by activist and educator, Brittany Packnett Cunningham; along with Changemaker recipient and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, Wawa Gatheru; Imani Ellis, founder of CultureCon; Gallerist, Hannah Traore; and Gucci Changemaker Scholar and Artist, Yetunde Sapp for the Changemakers community. During the Washington, D.C. event, Gucci Changemakers will also premier the newest film by artist/director Zen Pace (they/them), focused on this year’s theme of igniting creative opportunity.
Since 2019, Gucci Changemakers North America has invested over $6.5 million in community funding and scholarship programs- positively impacting the lives of over 600,000 community members. These investments empower diverse young people through education by giving a voice to the next generation and supporting grassroots organizations that drive meaningful impact.
In its first four years, Gucci Changemakers North America has supported over 40 non-profit Impact Fund partner organizations and granted over 70 scholarships to students. The Impact Fund provides up to $50,000 in grants to at least 12 non-profit organizations annually and will now accept applications on a rolling basis through the end of September 2024. The Scholars program will award 12 students a one-year scholarship for up to $20,000 based on their financial needs.
Gucci recently expanded its Changemakers Program in the EMEA region with the launch of the Gucci Changemakers London. The multi-year initiative will partner with the London College of Fashion (LCF) and the University of the Arts London (UAL) to offer multidisciplinary scholarships to students who face financial barriers in accessing higher education and promote a positive impact in the capital’s fashion and creative industries.
Please see below to learn more about the fifth round of the Gucci Changemakers North America Programs. To apply for the programs, please visit equilibrium.gucci.com/changemakers-us/.
Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Fund
The Scholars program will award 12 students a one-year scholarship for up to $20,000 based on their financial needs. Students with at least two semesters left at the start of the 2024 Fall Semester at an accredited community college or four-year university, including graduating high school seniors, will be eligible to apply. 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 and beyond are strongly encouraged to apply. Initial applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, February 9, 2024.
Gucci Changemakers Impact Fund
The Impact Fund will grant up to $1 million to 12 community-based 501(c)(3) organizations across the select Changemakers cities through 2024 based on program and community needs. The Impact Fund will support community-based social impact areas using arts and culture to bring about positive change. Each awardee will receive a one-year grant for up to $50,000. We will review applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Gucci Changemakers Creative Fellows
The Creative Fellows Program offers up-and-coming talented creatives and impact leaders a grant award for up to $25,000 to complete or launch a creative project. The fellowship is open to creatives and impact leaders of all types, including artists, designers, filmmakers, writers, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and those in other fields that align with the core values and goals of the fellowship. Fellows can use the award funds to complete an existing project, identify solutions to a complex creative challenge, and design new works of art that challenge our understanding of the world around us. Initial applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, February 9, 2024.
