Last year, we started a birthday tradition. It’s not one of cake and candles and gifts, but of giving back, started in recognition of Levi Strauss and his commitment to the community. Today would have been Levi’s 186th birthday and, in his honor, we are proud to announce the Levi Strauss Legacy Grant in support of The Pollination Project — an organization with a mission we think would have been near and dear to him.
Driven by the values of Levi Strauss, LS&Co. has been a pioneer in giving back to the community from the very beginning. Levi was a man who believed that companies have a responsibility not only to deliver exceptional products but also to be responsible corporate citizens who engage and support their communities. He supported a number of organizations that bettered the lives of children and was a champion for young people who sought out education as a way to improve their opportunities.
This year we chose to honor The Pollination Project because it’s an innovative organization focused on empowering young people so they can make a difference in the communities where they live, go to school and play — just the sort of mission Levi himself would have chosen to support.
The Pollination Project provides future leaders and young social change agents with seed grants to help them get projects going. Past grants have supported projects such as eliminating disposable bottles on a college campus and using a community garden to teach students about local, sustainable food. Our $75,000 grant will enable The Pollination Project to make 25 seed grants for sustainability-related projects, in addition to several larger impact grants to successful seed projects (which will be distributed at the end of the year).
Through The Pollination Project, we’re honored to help fund pioneering ideas that promise to create meaningful social change, both locally and globally.
And, the good news is … The Pollination Project is now accepting grant applications! They’re looking for people age 22 and younger who want to save the planet by working on environmental problems and solutions — in their country, their community or their own backyards. Visit https://thepollinationproject.org/youth-environmental-grants/ to learn more and apply for a seed grant.
Feature photo credit: The Pollination Project and grantee Hands 4 Hope in South St. Petersburg, FL
