The fifth chapter of the Gucci Changemakers North America initiative has opened its applications, including the Scholarship Program and Impact Fund. Titled “Igniting Creative Opportunity” the initiative will directly impact young, innovative students and non-profit organizations.
Gucci Changemakers North America is also expanding its programming with a new Creative Fellows Initiative to uplift leaders who use creativity to spark social action and community impact. This 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.
In celebration of this news, Gucci will be hosting a celebration in Washington, D.C., at The Reach at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. At the event, there will be a moderated conversation with activist and educator Brittany Packnet Cunningham and Gucci Changemaker recipients and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, Wawa Gatheru, gallerist, Hannah Traore, Gucci Changemaker Scholar and artist Yetunde Sapp, and Imani Ellis of CultureCon. Also during the celebration, Zen Pace’s latest film which focuses on the chapter’s theme of igniting creative opportunity will be shown.
The theme is about breaking down barriers in arts and culture and inspiring positive change within communities. That’s why this chapter’s mentorship program will include the sponsorship of a project with a business plan to help these Fellows create a real impact. Gucci Changemakers North America has been investing $6.5 million in community funding and scholarship programs since 2019. This has positively impacted over 600,000 community members and empowered diverse young people through education, and has given these young people a voice.
In its first four years, Gucci Changemakers North America has been able to support over 40 non-profit Impact Fund organizations and has given scholarships to over 70 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 from now 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.
The Changemakers Program has recently expanded in the EMEA region with the launch of the Gucci Changemakers London. The multi-year initiative will partner with the London College of Fashion and the University of Arts London 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.
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, 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.
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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.
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, entrepreneurs, and those in other fields that align with the core values of the fellowship.
Applications for the fifth chapter of the Gucci Changemakers North America Programs are open on equilibrium.gucci.com.
