Adobe Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $28.8 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Varies by program
Grant Range: $20,000 - $2 million+
Geographic Focus: United States and India (primarily)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.adobe.com/corporate-responsibility/community/foundation.html
Email: socialimpact@adobe.com
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Location: Wilmington, DE

Overview

The Adobe Foundation, established in 2007 as the philanthropic arm of Adobe Systems Incorporated, is a corporate foundation with assets of approximately $18.2 million. In fiscal year 2024, the foundation disbursed $28.8 million in charitable contributions, marking a significant increase from $15.1 million in 2023. The foundation operates primarily through strategic partnerships and employee-driven giving, focusing on expanding opportunities for marginalized communities through digital literacy, technology education, and creative career development. Adobe's flagship Equity and Advancement Initiative represents a $30 million commitment to address systemic barriers and advance social equity globally.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Adobe Employee Community Fund (ECF): $20,000 grants (general operating support)

Application window: March-April annually
300 grants awarded in 2024 totaling $6 million
Requires nomination by active Adobe employee

Equity and Advancement Initiative: $30 million total commitment

Multiyear general operating support grants
Grant amounts typically $1 million+
Trust-based philanthropy model

Film & TV Fund: $6 million (2024)

Support for underrepresented creators in film/TV
Fellowships and apprenticeships
Direct industry access programs

Priority Areas

Digital literacy and technology education
Career development in creative industries
Racial and social justice
Economic opportunity for marginalized communities
Arts and culture access for underserved populations
Human services and community development

What They Don't Fund

Private foundations
Hospitals/clinics providing direct medical care (except FQHCs in US)
Health management systems
Government funded research laboratories
Individual requests

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

Hannah Elsakr - Board President (VP, Chief of Staff to the CEO & Head of M&A Integration)
Stacy Martinet - Board Secretary (VP, Marketing Strategy & Communications)
Rosemary Arriada-Keiper - Director (VP, Total Rewards)
Karen Robinson - Director

The foundation board consists of Adobe Inc. executives who guide the strategic direction of Adobe's philanthropic initiatives.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Adobe Foundation primarily conducts its philanthropy through:

Existing strategic partnerships with large nonprofits
Employee Community Fund - requires invitation from an active Adobe employee
Invitation-only grants through the Equity and Advancement Initiative

For the Employee Community Fund specifically:

Organizations must be nominated by an active Adobe employee
Application window: March through April annually
Employee provides access link to online application

Getting on Their Radar

Since Adobe Foundation operates primarily through partnerships and employee nominations, organizations can:

Connect with Adobe employees who can nominate your organization for the Employee Community Fund during the March-April application period
Build relationships with existing EAI partner organizations for potential collaboration
Apply for Adobe's nonprofit software discounts to establish initial connection
Contact socialimpact@adobe.com to explore partnership opportunities

Decision Timeline

ECF grants: Decisions typically made by June/July
Strategic partnerships: Ongoing throughout the year
Major initiatives: Multiyear commitments

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Not specified for strategic partnerships; ECF applications can be submitted annually if nominated

Application Success Factors

Based on Adobe Foundation's funding patterns and stated priorities:

Trust-based approach: Adobe empowers partner organizations to determine how best to use funds rather than dictating specific allocations
Focus on systemic change: Projects addressing root causes of inequity are prioritized over one-time interventions
Technology integration: Programs leveraging digital tools and creative technology align with Adobe's core competencies
Measurable impact: Organizations that can demonstrate clear outcomes in expanding opportunities for marginalized communities
Employee connection: For ECF, having a strong relationship with an Adobe employee champion is essential
Geographic alignment: Focus on communities where Adobe has operations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Adobe Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications - relationship building is essential
The Employee Community Fund offers the most accessible entry point via employee nomination
Focus proposals on digital equity, creative careers, and systemic barriers to opportunity
Adobe follows a trust-based philanthropy model, providing flexible general operating support
Partnership opportunities may exist through existing grantee organizations in the EAI cohort
In-kind software donations available separately through Adobe for Nonprofits program
Contact socialimpact@adobe.com to explore potential partnership opportunities

References

Adobe Foundation profile on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (accessed January 2025)
Adobe Corporate Responsibility - Community page (https://www.adobe.com/corporate-responsibility/community.html)
"Adobe and the Adobe Foundation Commit $6M to Support Underrepresented and Emerging Creators Find Careers in Film and TV" - Adobe News, 2024
"Equity and Advancement Initiative Advances Social Impact with Adobe's People, Products & Philanthropy" - Adobe Blog, September 2023
Adobe Employee Community Fund page (https://www.adobe.com/corporate-responsibility/community/community-fund.html)
Foundation Directory - Candid (accessed January 2025)
Inside Philanthropy - Adobe Foundation profile (accessed January 2025)
"Adobe awards $10 million for workforce equity and inclusion" - Philanthropy News Digest