Adobe brings philanthropy in house

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 02 October 2008 02:46

IT Industry - Strategy

Adobe Youth Voices also runs a grants program to support nonprofit organisations and public schools with existing expertise in a digital medium to design or implement "a youth-media class/program/project that will engage youth in expressing themselves about topics that are personally meaningful to them and relevant to the context of their communities."

These grants range between $US25,000 and $US40,000, bolstered by Adobe software with a market value of up to $10,000. Recipients are required contribute the work produced to physical or online Adobe Youth Voices exhibitions, and to share work and best practices with other participants.

"Adobe Youth Voices aligns with our corporate philosophy, products and values. We're very proud to be taking this step to manage our philanthropic activities at Adobe," said Michelle Mann, executive director of corporate social responsibility and director of the Adobe Foundation.

"The Foundation will help our current program be even more effective and expand our programs into more countries."

Other issues to be addressed by the Foundation include homelessness, hunger, environment, and access to technology for people with disabilities.

"The Foundation is a natural extension of Adobe's 25-year history of giving back," said Shantanu Narayen, Adobe's president and CEO.

"The Foundation and the AYV program will enable under-privileged youth to learn new digital skills and, even more importantly, become more informed, engaged global citizens," he added.