Licensing International Foundation Changes Name, Sets New Mission for 2021

Licensing International – the leading trade organization for the global brand licensing industry – is proud to showcase the work of its Foundation, which this year raised more than $100,000 to aid small businesses in the brand licensing industry impacted by the COVID pandemic and launched a new scholarship program designed to inspire the next generation of licensing talent.

This year, the organization also officially changed the name of its fundraising arm from the LIMA Cares Foundation to the Licensing International Foundation, marking a new chapter for the trade association’s charitable initiatives. The Licensing International Foundation is led by a group of dedicated brand licensing professionals, who together make up the Licensing International Foundation Board including:

Moving into 2021, the Foundation’s new mission will be focused on the education of future licensing leaders, working to serve as a bridge connecting the licensing and academic communities while advancing the understanding of licensing in society.

“In a year that has been incredibly challenging, the work of the Licensing International Foundation has been a bright spot,” says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “Not only did we raise enough funds for the Small Business Grants that we are able to do a second round of disbursements, but we are also moving into next year with a bold new focus on the future of our industry. I’d like to call particular attention to the members of our Foundation Board who have worked tirelessly this year to create substantive initiatives that support and build our community.”

Earlier this month, five companies from around the globe (hailing from Spain, Colombia, Italy, the U.K. and the U.S.) were selected to receive $5,000 grants as part of the first round of disbursements from the Global Grants Fund. The Foundation Board is now accepting applications for additional grant disbursements. To qualify, companies must:

The deadline to apply is January 29, 2021. The application and disbursement process is confidential. Click here to learn more and apply.

The Foundation’s next fund-raising initiative – the Licensing International Scholarship Program – was unveiled last month. Fundraising formally began with the organization’s International Holiday Party, where event attendees were given the opportunity to make voluntary donations as part of their end-of-year giving. Going forward, the Licensing International Scholarship Program will be funded by direct donations from the licensing community and the creation of named/sponsored scholarships from donors looking to celebrate their commitment to education and the licensing industry.

Licensing International will begin accepting student applications for scholarships in January 2021. Scholarships will be awarded to students seeking degrees in business, marketing, design, engineering, entrepreneurial studies and other brand licensing industry-related programs, who also meet a number of other eligibility requirements. Learn more about the Licensing International Scholarship Program here.