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Thrive Causemetics Foundation

Annual Giving
$25.0M
Grant Range
Up to $0.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $25 million+ (2022-2024 average)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: Product donations (varies) to $500,000+ cash grants
  • Geographic Focus: United States only

Contact Details

Website: https://thrivecausemetics.com/pages/how-we-give
Phone: (888) 804-4318
Email: Not publicly listed
Application Status: Currently closed; reopens June 2025 (sign up for notifications on website)

Overview

Founded in 2015 by Karissa Bodnar following the loss of her friend to cancer, the Thrive Causemetics Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Thrive Causemetics, Inc. The foundation has distributed over $175 million in funds and products since inception, supporting 700+ nonprofit partners across eight core cause areas. With a unique "Bigger Than Beauty" mission, for every product purchased from the parent company, a product is donated through the foundation. The foundation received 501(c)(3) status in 2020 and currently partners with 550+ nonprofits nationwide, distributing both in-kind beauty products and cash grants to organizations directly serving individuals in need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Product Donations: Beauty and skincare products (varies by organization need and size)
  • Cash Grants: $50,000 - $500,000+ for strategic initiatives
  • Disaster Relief Funds: Rapid response grants for emergencies
  • Scholarship Programs: $10,000 individual scholarships for specific initiatives
  • Application method: Online portal opening June 2025, time-limited application windows

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on eight core giving causes:

  1. Cancer - Supporting individuals battling cancer and survivors (largest initiative with $37M+ to breast cancer awareness)
  2. Domestic Abuse - Helping survivors find strength and support
  3. Homelessness & Poverty - Supporting disadvantaged families seeking stability
  4. Veterans - Assistance during and after military service
  5. LGBTQ+ Communities - Resources for healing from discrimination
  6. Education - Professional development and personal growth
  7. Racial + Social Justice - Dismantling systemic barriers
  8. Under-Resourced Youth - Supporting underrepresented youth

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
  • Organizations outside the United States
  • Causes not aligned with their eight giving categories
  • Organizations unable to effectively utilize product donations

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Officers:

  • Karissa Bodnar - President/Treasurer, Founder & CEO
  • Brendan Gardner-Young - Secretary

Karissa Bodnar founded Thrive at age 25 from her Seattle apartment after working as a Sephora makeup artist. She has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Marie Claire's Most Powerful Women, and Forbes "America's Self-Made Women" (2021).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are currently closed and will reopen in June 2025. Organizations must:

  1. Sign up for notifications at thrivecausemetics.com/pages/how-we-give
  2. Complete online application during open window
  3. Demonstrate 501(c)(3) status
  4. Show alignment with one or more of eight giving causes
  5. Provide clear plan for product distribution

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines not publicly disclosed. Decisions are made by the Internal Impact Committee at their sole discretion, and all decisions are final.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation has grown from initial partners to 700+ over 10 years, welcoming 43 new Giving Partners in 2022 alone.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in public documentation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's evaluation criteria and partner profiles:

  • Mission Alignment: Clear demonstration of how your work supports one or more of their eight causes
  • Direct Service Model: Strong commitment to directly supporting individuals in need rather than indirect services
  • Product Distribution Plan: Detailed, mission-aligned strategy for distributing beauty products to clients
  • Impact Evidence: Demonstrated effectiveness and community impact metrics
  • Values Alignment: Understanding of Thrive's "Bigger Than Beauty" mission
  • Organizational Capacity: Evidence of ability to handle large product donations and distribute effectively

Recent successful partners like Fighting Pretty ($506,600 in products) and UTOPIA WA ($1.9M+ in products) demonstrate the foundation's preference for organizations with established distribution networks and direct client relationships.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Applications only open in limited windows - sign up for June 2025 notifications immediately
  • Emphasize direct service delivery to individuals facing specific challenges aligned with eight causes
  • Develop robust product distribution plan showing how beauty products serve your mission
  • Cancer-related organizations may have advantage given foundation's origin story and largest funding priority
  • Consider both product donations AND cash grants in your request
  • Highlight any existing beauty/self-care programs that demonstrate capacity
  • Foundation prefers partners who can utilize products for empowerment and confidence-building

References

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