The mission of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation is to engage Ben & Jerry's employees in philanthropy and social change work; to give back to their Vermont communities; and to support grassroots activism and community organizing for social and environmental justice around the country.

 

Their interests are in furthering social justice, protecting the environment and supporting sustainable food systems. They are committed to supporting non-violent, thoughtful and strategic approaches that are utilizing grassroots organizing strategies to work for social change.

 

Their philanthropy is led by Ben & Jerry’s employees who serve on committees that review grants. Giving back to their Vermont communities happens through the small grants programs and the community service projects of the Vermont Community Action Teams at the company’s three Vermont sites, their Vermont Economic Justice Grant program, and their Vermont Capacity-Building Grant program.

 

The Ben & Jerry's Foundation is a Social Justice Organization believes that:

• People most affected by a problem are in the best position to determine the solutions to that problem.
• True change occurs only when underlying, systemic forces are understood and addressed.
• Grassroots, constituent-led organizing is among the most effective means to create social change. They define organizing as collective action that challenges the status quo, demands changes in policy and practice, educates communities about root causes of social problems, and advocates and agitates for systemic and just solutions.
• Lasting change occurs when Social Justice Movements are built from the ground up and grassroots groups come together across sectors and constituencies to work for the common principles of Human Rights and Justice for All.

 

Grant Programs

The Foundation awards about $1.8 million annually to eligible organizations across the country and in Vermont. Their philanthropy is led by Ben & Jerry’s employees who serve on committees that review grants. The Foundation administers four appliable grant programs, either within Vermont or across the country.