Tommy Hilfiger grants over $1.2mn funding in US

“I have always believed that we can make a difference in people’s lives through the Corporate Foundation, and I am excited that we will partner with this amazing group of organizations,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Autism research and awareness, education, and programs that address the needs of our most vulnerable families and young people are so important in today’s world.”

“The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation is committed to supporting programs around the world that empower today’s youth,” said Guy Vickers, President of The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation. “With our focus on at risk youth and families, autism awareness and research, and education, we look to foster healthy communities and empower young people to succeed.”

The Foundation, which has represented The Tommy Hilfiger Group’s philanthropic interests for over 15 years, will extend major funding to Autism Speaks, The Night of Too Many Stars/New York Collaborates for Autism, Fresh Air Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Jumpstart for Young Children, EOP/Ernie Davis Community Center (located in Tommy Hilfiger’s hometown of Elmira, New York) and Helen Keller International.

The Foundation has long been a supporter of the Fresh Air Fund, Autism Speaks and the Ernie Davis Community Center. The Foundation will also award grants to FIT, the YMCA of New York and the Center for Hearing and Communication.

Additionally, the Foundation will allocate a portion of this budget towards funding and grant opportunities awarded throughout the year by a Steering Committee.

Tommy Hilfiger will also continue its support of three other charities with which it has a long-time relationship. In 2009, the Foundation made a five-year, $2 million commitment to Millennium Promise, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in Africa.

For the past six years, The Tommy Hilfiger Group has supported Breast Health International, a globally renowned organization committed to finding a cure for breast cancer, by designing limited edition bags to benefit the charity.

Through this initiative, Hilfiger has partnered with actresses Cristiana Capotondi and Claudia Gerini, France’s former first lady Carla Bruni, Helena Christensen photographed by Milla Jovovich, and Renee Zellweger. For over a decade, the Foundation has worked with the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, culminating with the dedication of the monument on the National Mall in a ceremony co-chaired by the Foundation in October 2011.

Guy Vickers, President of The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, continues to serve an active role as Vice Chairman of the Memorial Foundation's Board.