AEO Better World Foundation — Community Grant Program (2026)

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Grants Supporting Youth Education & Empowerment (Ages 15–25)

The AEO Better World Foundation provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations that educate and empower young people. With a strong focus on optimism, inclusion, and opportunity, this program supports initiatives that positively impact youth ages 15–25 in select communities.

Organization

AEO Better World Foundation (American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.)

Support Type

Charitable grants

Geographic Focus

Organizations located in or near:

Pittsburgh, PA
New York City, NY
Ottawa, KS
Hazleton, PA
Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)

About the Funder

The AEO Better World Foundation, established in 1999, is the philanthropic arm of American Eagle Outfitters. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that harness the power of youth optimism by investing in initiatives that educate, empower, and uplift teens and young adults.

What This Program Supports

The Foundation funds programs that:

Serve youth ages 15–25 (core requirement)
Educate and empower teens and young adults
Address real and pressing community needs
Deliver measurable, positive community impact
Promote inclusion and equitable access to opportunities

Programs serving adjacent age ranges (e.g., 13–18) may still be eligible if they include the target demographic.

Eligible Support Types

Youth-focused educational programs
Workforce readiness and empowerment initiatives
Community-based youth development programs
Programs with volunteer opportunities for AEO associates

Eligibility & Preferences

Applicants must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (U.S.) or registered charity (Canada)
Serve youth ages 15–25
Direct at least 70% of budget toward program beneficiaries
Be located in or near eligible metro areas
Demonstrate inclusive policies and practices
Provide required documentation (W-9, IRS letter, program budget)

Only one grant per organization per calendar year is allowed.

Ineligible Requests

The Foundation does not fund:

Event sponsorships or advertising
Capital campaigns or building projects
Medical or health-related causes
Religious, political, or lobbying organizations
Individuals
Fashion-related requests or product support
Organizations with high fundraising expense ratios (>30%)

Funding Amounts

New applicants: $5,000
Returning grantees: $5,000–$15,000

Requests outside this range are generally not considered.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Deadline (Upcoming Cycle): August 31, 2026
📅 Decision Timeline: 8–10 weeks after deadline

Application / Request Process

Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grant portal. Applicants should:

Clearly define the youth population served (ages 15–25)
Provide a detailed program budget and goals
Demonstrate measurable outcomes and community need
Highlight opportunities for employee volunteer engagement

Apply / Learn More:

➡️ https://www.aeo-inc.com/aeo-foundation/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This grant is ideal for organizations that:

Serve teens and young adults in targeted metro areas
Focus on youth empowerment, education, or workforce readiness
Can clearly demonstrate impact and inclusivity
Are seeking modest, program-specific funding ($5K–$15K)

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Cyclical (3 cycles annually)
Typical Lead Time: Apply at least 2–3 months before funding is needed
Best Suited For: Youth-serving nonprofits in select metro areas

New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.