Objectives: The American Express Foundation aims
to bring to life the value of good corporate citizenship by supporting
communities in ways that enhance the company’s reputation in the world.
Areas of Funding: The American Express Foundation provides
funding for non-profit organisations whose activities aim to
preserve and sustain unique historic places for the future, or those that
implement educational activities to form a new generation of international
leaders, or those that work with communities to encourage community service.
Geographic Focus: Outside the United States,
the Foundation provides financial help to organisations based in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands,
Puerto Rico, Singapore,
Spain, Taiwan, and the United
Kingdom
1) Historic
Preservation funds activities
targeting the preservation and sustainable development of
historic sites with the aim of preserving world’s heritage for future
generations. Proposed projects should
clearly explain why the selected site is of importance for the community;
landmarks and public spaces are both eligible. Activities could include: the
restoration of the selected site to ensure public access and social
interaction, the preservation of the selected site for future innovative
usages, or proposal for
innovative management plans
that could increase visitor activities in the selected site also augmenting
financial income for the community. A list of projects funded under this scheme
can be found here.
2) Community
Service funds
organisations that cultivate meaningful opportunities for civic engagement by
American Express employees and members of the community (as volunteers, donors, voters, or
patrons). Funded activities must deliver measurable outcomes that have lasting
impact on communities. Activities funded under this programme could develop
collaborations between American Express employees and NGOs to develop
volunteering schemes, to encourage citizens to vote and
participate in political life, to engage American Express employees to promote
philanthropy or volunteerism. A list of projects funded under this scheme can
be found here.
3) Leadership funds projects willing to
provide current and future civil society leaders
with practical opportunities to learn and build leadership skills. In particular, the
Foundation is looking for activities that cultivate leadership opportunities
for diverse communities within the non-profit sector. Projects could develop in
the fields of the arts, environment,
higher education,
and social services according to the main goal of the applicant
organisation. Suggested activities include: supporting leadership training by an
organisation to a wider group of
organisations within the same field and supporting leadership development of an
organisation’s local members or affiliates. A list of projects funded under
this scheme can be found here.
4) Under Initiatives there are special funding made available for disaster relief.
Funds are created in response to urgent needs of the affected population and
special calls are advertised accordingly.
How to Apply Information: In order to access the application
forms, you have to complete the American Express Eligibility Quiz here: https://axp.smartsimple.biz/s_signup.jsp?token=XVtQC1oGYFlRQBVQXxJSSlZSZw%3D%3D
If your organisation is eligible for
funding, you will be sent a personal invitation and guidelines to submit your
proposal.
