Community Wellbeing Grant

The Community Wellbeing Grant is an annual funding initiative administered by lululemon through its global philanthropic platform, lululemon Gives. This initiative is part of a broader corporate commitment to advancing mental, physical, and social wellbeing through movement and mindfulness. Since launching its giving strategy, lululemon has invested significant resources into community-based organizations, reaching millions of individuals worldwide. The grant specifically supports organizations that are addressing systemic barriers to wellbeing, including lack of access to physical activity, social isolation, and mental health challenges. The program reflects lululemon’s long-term commitment to funding grassroots solutions and expanding equitable access to wellness practices. The primary purpose of the Community Wellbeing Grant is to fund community-led nonprofit organizations that are delivering movement-based programming to underserved populations. These programs are expected to directly address wellbeing challenges by promoting physical activity, fostering social connection, and improving mental health outcomes. The grant prioritizes organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities and that demonstrate a clear understanding of local needs. Funding is intended to support ongoing programming rather than one-time events or short-term initiatives, ensuring sustained impact over the grant period. Applicants may request up to 50000 USD in funding, with the stipulation that the grant amount cannot exceed 40 percent of the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year operating budget. The grant is structured as a one-year funding opportunity, and funds are distributed through a donor-advised fund administered by Charities Aid Foundation America. There are strict limitations on allowable uses of funds, including prohibitions on capital expenditures exceeding 5000 USD, regranting activities, political engagement, and sponsorship of one-time events. Additionally, funds cannot be used for activities that directly benefit lululemon or its employees, ensuring that the program remains focused on community impact. Eligibility for the grant is limited to registered nonprofit or charitable organizations, or those with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Eligible applicants must be community-led and actively working to expand equitable access to movement-based wellbeing programming. Organizations must operate within a defined list of countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several others globally. Priority is given to organizations with annual operating budgets under 3 million USD, although those with budgets up to 10 million USD may still be considered if they meet all other criteria. Certain entities are explicitly excluded, including government agencies, academic institutions, for-profit businesses, and organizations engaged in political or religious activities. The application process consists of two primary stages: a mandatory registration phase followed by a full application submission. Organizations must first complete a registration form to verify eligibility. Only those that receive an invitation after registration may proceed to submit a full application. The application itself is submitted through an online platform and must be completed within the designated application window. Applicants are encouraged to review detailed guidance materials and prepare required documentation in advance to ensure a complete and competitive submission. Applications are evaluated by the lululemon Gives team in collaboration with Grant Review Councils. Evaluation criteria focus on the organization’s alignment with the program’s goals, the effectiveness of its approach to addressing wellbeing barriers, and its demonstrated impact within the community. Selected organizations are notified following the review period and must complete additional documentation and due diligence requirements before funds are disbursed. The grant cycle concludes with funding distribution and a public announcement of recipients, typically occurring several months after the application period closes. The Community Wellbeing Grant is offered on an annual basis, with clearly defined timelines for registration, application submission, review, and award notification. For the current cycle, registration opens in early June and closes in late July, while the application window runs from early to late July. Final selections are made in October, followed by a validation and funding process that extends into the following year. This recurring structure allows organizations to anticipate future funding opportunities and plan accordingly.

Focus on demonstrating strong community impact and alignment with movement-based wellbeing priorities; ensure eligibility before applying; submit early before deadline