Autodesk Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $33.5 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly specified
- Geographic Focus: Global
Contact Details
- Website: www.autodesk.org
- Email: Not publicly available
- Phone: Not publicly available
- Social Media: LinkedIn: Autodesk Foundation, X: @AutodeskFdn
Overview
The Autodesk Foundation was established in 2013 as a private independent foundation supporting innovative solutions to the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges. With annual charitable disbursements of approximately $33.5 million in 2024, the foundation focuses on scaling early-stage innovations through a blend of funding, technical training, and expertise. The foundation has reached over 110 million individuals through its portfolio organizations and contributed to reducing 8.2+ million metric tons of CO2e emissions while helping 230,000 individuals obtain new or improved jobs.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation supports over 50 organizations across three impact areas, though specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed.
Priority Areas
- Energy & Materials: Decarbonization and sustainable materials innovation
- Health & Resilience: Climate adaptation technologies and community resilience
- Work & Prosperity: Workforce development and economic opportunity
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly specified
Governance and Leadership
- Andrew Anagnost - Director
- Christine Stoner - Executive Director
- Wanjiru Kamau Rutenberg - Director
The foundation maintains a small board structure typical of corporate foundations, with leadership from Autodesk corporate executives alongside independent directors.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation appears to work through strategic partnerships and invitation-only funding relationships. Organizations are selected based on alignment with the foundation's three core impact areas and potential for scalable innovation.
Getting on Their Radar
Based on available information, the foundation identifies partners through:
- Strategic alignment with Autodesk's core technology and design capabilities
- Demonstrated innovation in energy, health, or workforce development sectors
- Existing relationships within the social innovation ecosystem
Application Success Factors
Given the invitation-only nature of the foundation:
- Organizations should demonstrate clear alignment with one of the three impact areas
- Evidence of scalable innovation and measurable impact is essential
- Connection to design, technology, or engineering solutions appears advantageous
- Track record of impact measurement and management practices
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Autodesk Foundation operates as an invitation-only funder without a public application process
- Annual giving of approximately $33.5 million supports over 50 organizations globally
- Focus areas directly align with environmental sustainability and workforce development
- The foundation emphasizes measurable impact with specific metrics tracked
- Partnership appears to include technical assistance beyond financial support
- Connection to Autodesk's core business of design and engineering technology may be advantageous
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Autodesk Foundation Profile (accessed December 31, 2024)
- Autodesk Foundation Website - www.autodesk.org (accessed December 31, 2024)
- GuideStar Profile - EIN 61-1703255 (accessed December 31, 2024)