Limited Brands Foundation

Grantmaking Focus

In 1963, Les Wexner started a company based on a set of shared values important to both Limited Brands’ customers and associates. In order to mirror associates' and customers' values, Limited Brands supports community programs that focus on empowering women, nurturing and mentoring children, and improving education. Also embedded in their focus is a commitment to inclusion. As one of Limited Brand’s core values, they understand, appreciate, and leverage diversity to provide value for their customers, associates and shareholders. Their philanthropic efforts represent a rich mixture of backgrounds, insights, and perspectives.

Going hand-in-hand with efforts to help improve education is their commitment to enriching the cultural arts. They believe that vibrant cultural arts are synonymous with vibrant and diverse communities-exposing us to new works and different perspectives that not only entertain, but educate and challenge us to think about how we live today.

Considering that Limited Brands receive more than 13,000 proposals annually, the competition for grant funding is rigorous, and they are confronted with making many tough decisions. As a result, they use a process that is thorough and fair, and leads to a wise investment, which ultimately pays dividends for the community.

First, the Limited Brands philanthropy staff reviews requests and forwards their recommendations for approval to a Contributions Committee.

The Contributions Committee approves specific grant parameters and sends its recommendations to Limited Brands Foundation Board of Trustees, which has final approval on all grants. The Foundation Board is comprised of seven community leaders from the central Ohio area.

Grant Application Instructions

All grant applications for Limited Brands Foundation begin online in the community section of the Limited Brands corporate website.  Applications will not be accepted by fax or mail. Additional details found here include deadlines, contact information, application and reporting requirements, publicity guidelines, and information about the company’s overall corporate responsibility efforts.

At a minimum, nonprofits requesting a grant from Limited Brands must:
  • Be a 501(c)(3) public charity as identified by the IRS, or sponsored by a fiscal agent that is a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity;
  • Serve one of Limited Brands' home office communities: Columbus, Ohio; Kettering, Ohio; New York City, New York; or Rio Rancho, New Mexico;
  • Not exhibit discriminatory behavior or practices;  and
  • Complete an online contribution accessible through the Limited Brands website.

Priority is given to those projects that:
  • Have a Limited Brands associate involved as a board member, committee member, long-time volunteer, or active partner;
  • Meet identified needs in the community; 
  • Come from organizations that exhibit strong fiscal management and board commitment;
  • Encourage and explore community partnerships and leverage additional support; and
  • Provide opportunities for possible involvement of our associates.

Staff Contact

Initial contact regarding the Limited Brands Foundation begins with a review of the corporate website as detailed above; there you will find appropriate contact information should your questions not be answered by information found on the website. 

Troubleshooting

 If you have any questions, please e-mail the Limited Brands staff.