Introduction
The lululemon Centre for Social Impact is the philanthropic arm of lululemon, dedicated to advancing equitable access to wellbeing around the world. Through grants, partnerships, advocacy, and community investment, the Centre supports organizations that improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing, particularly for communities facing systemic barriers. The Centre’s flagship initiative, the Community Wellbeing Grant, provides funding and capacity-building support to community-led nonprofit organizations working to create inclusive access to movement and mindfulness programs.
History and Background
Origins of the Initiative
lululemon launched its social impact efforts through the Here to Be program in 2016, focusing on supporting grassroots organizations that provide access to movement and mindfulness practices. The program was established to help address inequities in wellbeing and expand access to resources that improve quality of life.
Launch of the Centre for Social Impact
In 2021, lululemon expanded its commitment by establishing the lululemon Centre for Social Impact. The Centre unified the company’s existing wellbeing initiatives under a single framework focused on philanthropy, research, and advocacy. The launch included an initial investment of $5 million USD to support local and global nonprofit organizations advancing wellbeing equity.
Evolution into a Global Grantmaking Platform
The former Here to Be grant program evolved into the Community Wellbeing Grant, allowing community-led organizations around the world to apply for funding through an open application process. Since its inception, the initiative has expanded significantly, supporting hundreds of organizations across multiple countries and impacting millions of people globally.
Mission and Purpose
Core Mission
The mission of the lululemon Centre for Social Impact is to disrupt inequity in wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and advocacy. The Centre believes that everyone has the right to be well and works to remove barriers that prevent access to wellbeing resources and opportunities.
Strategic Objectives
The Centre aims to:
- Expand equitable access to physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
- Support community-led organizations addressing systemic inequities.
- Increase access to movement and mindfulness programs.
- Strengthen community resilience and social connection.
- Invest in organizations serving historically underserved populations.
- Build long-term capacity within nonprofit organizations.
Areas of Focus
The Centre primarily supports initiatives focused on:
- Movement-based wellbeing programs.
- Mindfulness and mental health initiatives.
- Community connection and resilience.
- Equity-centered wellbeing programs.
- Leadership and organizational development.
- Community-driven solutions to systemic barriers.
Governance and Structure
Corporate Philanthropy Model
The lululemon Centre for Social Impact operates as part of lululemon’s global impact strategy and oversees the company’s philanthropic investments in wellbeing initiatives. The Centre leverages the company’s financial resources, expertise, and partnerships to support nonprofit organizations and community leaders worldwide.
Community-Led Funding Approach
A defining feature of the Centre’s funding model is its focus on community-led organizations. Priority is given to nonprofits that have strong representation from the communities they serve and that directly address local wellbeing challenges through culturally relevant approaches.
Global Reach
The Community Wellbeing Grant operates across numerous countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, and several other markets where lululemon maintains a presence.
Funding and Grants
Community Wellbeing Grant
The Community Wellbeing Grant is the Centre’s primary grantmaking program. It provides flexible operating support to nonprofit organizations that create equitable access to movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing resources within their communities.
Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $50,000 USD, provided the requested amount does not exceed 40% of the organization’s most recently completed operating budget. Priority is generally given to smaller community-led organizations with annual budgets below $3 million USD.
Eligibility Requirements
Organizations seeking funding must generally:
- Be registered nonprofits or charities, or be fiscally sponsored by one.
- Deliver programs that advance physical, mental, and/or social wellbeing.
- Be community-led and equity-focused.
- Serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing.
- Demonstrate diverse and representative leadership.
Capacity Building Support
In addition to financial support, grant recipients receive access to leadership development workshops, wellbeing resources, self-guided learning modules, and other organizational capacity-building opportunities throughout the grant cycle.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Community Wellbeing Grant Program
The flagship grant program supports nonprofits advancing equitable access to movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing practices. The initiative helps organizations expand services, strengthen operations, and increase community impact.
Movement-Based Wellbeing Programs
Funded organizations frequently offer programs such as yoga, running, sports participation, fitness activities, and other forms of movement that improve physical and emotional wellbeing.
Mindfulness and Mental Health Initiatives
The Centre supports programs that improve mental health outcomes through mindfulness practices, trauma-informed care, social connection, emotional wellbeing support, and community engagement activities.
Leadership Development and Capacity Building
Grant recipients benefit from leadership training, wellbeing workshops, organizational development support, and peer learning opportunities designed to strengthen long-term sustainability and impact.
Advocacy and Research
Beyond grantmaking, the Centre invests in advocacy and research initiatives aimed at improving understanding of wellbeing inequities and identifying effective approaches for expanding access to wellbeing resources globally.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Global Reach and Community Impact
Since launching its wellbeing initiatives, lululemon has supported hundreds of nonprofit organizations globally. The Community Wellbeing Grant has become one of the company’s most significant social impact investments, helping organizations create more equitable access to wellbeing resources.
Supporting Hundreds of Organizations
Since the launch of the Centre for Social Impact in 2021, lululemon has partnered with nearly 300 organizations advancing inclusive access to wellbeing. The former Here to Be program alone supported more than 750 nonprofit organizations through grants totaling approximately $25 million USD.
2025 Grant Cohort
In 2025, the Community Wellbeing Grant selected 100 nonprofit organizations from more than 3,200 applicants across 18 markets. Collectively, these organizations received more than $4 million USD in grant funding, with the average grant amount approximately $43,000 USD. The funding is expected to positively impact over 500,000 people.
Advancing Wellbeing Equity
Funded organizations address wellbeing inequities by increasing access to movement and mindfulness programs, providing culturally responsive services, supporting mental health initiatives, and creating community-driven solutions to social challenges.
Long-Term Commitment
lululemon’s social impact efforts have evolved into a broader global initiative known as lululemon Gives, which includes a commitment of $100 million USD to positively impact 20 million people by 2030 through grants, partnerships, and wellbeing programs.
Conclusion
The lululemon Centre for Social Impact has emerged as a significant force in advancing equitable access to wellbeing worldwide. Through the Community Wellbeing Grant and related initiatives, the Centre provides financial resources, leadership support, and advocacy to community-led organizations working at the intersection of movement, mindfulness, and social wellbeing. By investing in organizations that address systemic barriers and strengthen community resilience, the Centre continues to help create healthier, more connected, and more inclusive communities across the globe. (Lululemon)
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