Designer Brands Inc., one of the world’s largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories, announces the launch of the Designer Brands Foundation. This new foundation reinforces Designer Brands’ and DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse’s (“DSW”) continued commitment to serving their communities.
The Designer Brands Foundation’s purpose is to advance the empowerment of individuals by removing barriers and helping them put their best foot forward. Notable contributions have already been made through the foundation, including a $50,000 donation from the DSW Foundation, part of the larger Designer Brands Foundation, to Girls on the Run International, a nonprofit that empowers elementary and middle school aged girls with confidence, teambuilding, personal independence and finding inner strength through physical activity and life skills lessons.
With a focus on three identified areas of impact: empowerment, inclusion, and local communities, the Designer Brands Foundation, primarily funded by DBI and customer donations, is an opportunity to broaden the Company’s charitable giving, remove barriers and increase overall funding and support in the communities where DBI’s associates live and work.
“The launch of the Designer Brands Foundation represents a significant step forward in our mission to make a positive impact where it matters most and allows us to give back to causes important to our associates and our communities,” said Amy Jo Donohew, SVP of Human Resources at Designer Brands. “Philanthropic values have always existed within Designer Brands, but now through our foundation’s strategic initiatives, we aim to empower even more individuals and support our diverse communities, so that we can all create meaningful and lasting change.”
Beginning in July, Designer Brands kicked off its Soles4Souls Back to School Campaign in DSW stores nationwide. With over $4 million donated to Soles4Souls through register and VIP rewards donations and DBI contributions since the partnership’s inception, and an additional $1 million commitment by the Designer Brands Foundation for 2024, this initiative aims to provide footwear to those in need. Furthermore, the Designer Brands Foundation is pledging $100,000 in community grants in its first year. The application is open now for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. The Designer Brands Foundation is committed to taking more steps in the right direction and will continue to help families and communities put their best foot forward.
