Sol de Janeiro establishes USD 7M foundation to support biodiversity and young women
This initiative complements Sol de Janeiro’s ongoing global reputation as a beauty brand that champions self-celebration, radiant joy, and connection.
USA – Sol de Janeiro, an American skincare and fragrance brand, has officially launched the Sol de Janeiro Foundation, marking a significant expansion of its commitment to impact beyond beauty.
Established in 2024, the Foundation embodies the brand’s deep-rooted mission to foster a better world while celebrating beauty in harmony with responsibility.
It focuses on two primary pillars: the regeneration and conservation of biodiversity, particularly within Brazil’s vital ecosystems, and the empowerment of young women globally.
The Foundation aims to ignite tangible, transformational change by fostering long-term partnerships rooted in trust and collaboration, focusing on both environmental regeneration and social empowerment.
Since its inception, the Sol de Janeiro Foundation has committed USD 5.77 million in grants supporting projects that protect rainforests, increase access to clean water, and expand opportunities for young women worldwide.
The Foundation has pledged a total of USD 7 million by the end of fiscal year 2026, with Sol de Janeiro being the sole donor, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability is funded independently by the brand itself.
The Foundation’s initial biodiversity efforts prioritize the conservation and restoration of Brazil’s Atlantic and Amazon rainforests through partnerships with local organizations such as Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), SOS Mata Atlântica, and Filha do Sol.
These partners work on projects like creating biodiversity corridors, expanding native seedling nurseries, and empowering women leaders in climate resilience and ecological restoration.
In parallel, the Foundation amplifies its impact on social change through the New Generation of Women pillar, funding organizations like the Girls Opportunity Alliance, a program of the Obama Foundation.
This collaboration focuses on educating and empowering adolescent girls, reaching over 120,000 girls in more than 40 countries to date, and fostering leadership and confidence among young women globally.
Heela Yang, Chairwoman & President of the Foundation board and Co-Founder and CEO of Sol de Janeiro, stated, “We’ve always believed that beauty and responsibility go hand in hand, and thus the Sol de Janeiro Foundation was born.”
“The Foundation is our way of giving back and ensuring our success drives meaningful impact. It’s about community, impact, and leaving the world better than we found it.”
The launch of the Sol de Janeiro Foundation signifies a pivotal moment for the brand as it transitions from a celebrated beauty company to a socially and environmentally conscious force, inspiring new generations and caring for nature with intention.
In September 2025, the Foundation marked this milestone by serving as the Presenting Sponsor of the BrazilFoundation New York Gala, further spotlighting its commitment to social impact projects in Brazil.
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