Cotton On Foundation Limited

About

The Cotton On Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Cotton On Group (fashion retail company), focused on empowering youth globally through quality educational projects. Their vision is to create a world where every young person can thrive, with programs spanning education, mental health, and environmental initiatives. The foundation operates in Australia (primarily Victoria) and internationally in Thailand, Uganda, and South Africa.

Giving Philosophy

The Cotton On Foundation takes a holistic approach to youth empowerment, focusing not just on building schools but on creating comprehensive educational and support ecosystems. They prioritize projects that address inequality, support mental wellbeing, and create safe, empowering spaces for young people to connect and thrive.

Tips for Applicants

Focus on demonstrating clear, measurable impact on youth education and wellbeing. Emphasize holistic approaches that go beyond infrastructure to address mental health, literacy, and community development. Given their global footprint and corporate nature, they likely prefer established organizations with proven track records and scalable programs.

Notable Grants

• Support for building schools and educational infrastructure globally
• Funding for literacy programs, as exemplified by 'Literacy lives in every word, every page, every dream' in South Africa
• Investment in creating safe, empowering spaces for young people to connect and celebrate mental wellbeing (e.g., 'Kindness in Action')
• Development and launch of the 'Mental Health Collective' to transform youth mental health on a global scale through diverse partnerships
• Partnerships with First Nations organisations in Australia, built on respect and culture

Financial History (7 years)