Bridging Gaps to Create a Better World

At Gap Inc., we believe in bridging gaps to create a better world. From expanding opportunity and fostering inclusion to investing in the communities we call home, our purpose guides how teams across Gap Inc. and our brands show up every day to create shared value for people and our business. Here are a few recent examples of that work in action.

10,000 Employees Step Up for Their Communities
Giving back to the communities where we operate is at the heart of how we do business. The Gap Inc. Volunteer Rally is rooted in Doris Fisher’s commitment to doing more that selling clothes and has become an annual tradition that brings employees together to give back. Employees across our brands and around the world continued that legacy of service this year, contributing their time and talents to communities and causes that matter to them.

Over the six-week rally, 10,000 employees contributed 33,000 volunteer hours in support of 1,000 nonprofit organizations, putting our purpose into action in communities around the world.

In San Francisco, volunteers engaged with youth at the Don Fisher Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco and supported Dress for Success in its mission to help women achieve economic independence. Employees also participated in civic engagement initiatives with Rock the Vote, connecting with young voters to encourage participation in the democratic process. From supporting local nonprofits to empowering the next generation, Volunteer Rally reflects the collective impact of our employees coming together to give back.
 

Gap and FIT Kick Off the Doris Fisher Creators Program
The Doris Fisher Creators Program, designed in partnership with The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), launched this fall with 30 students. Named in honor of Gap Inc.’s founder, this program reflects Doris’s legacy of creativity, curiosity and belief in people. It also builds on our commitment to helping bridge the opportunity gap by creating stronger connections between education and careers in the fashion industry.

While mentorship is at the heart of the program, the cohort also comes together periodically for “spotlight” experiences that provide meaningful exposure to industry professionals and knowledge. Last week, FIT students, FIT faculty, Gap design mentors and Gap leaders, came together at our New York headquarters to explore the intersection of creativity, craftsmanship and career development. They enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the GapStudio Atelier and Gap's archives before sitting with Zac Posen, who shared about his career journey and creative philosophy, and offered advice for the next generation of fashion talent. We look forward to sharing more about the valuable connections built between the students and their mentors.

The House Debuts with MXKA
Gap Inc. recently launched The House, an artist residency and live music series that provides Bay Area musicians, visual artists and makers with funding, visibility and space to create and showcase their work. The program debuted at Gap Inc. Headquarters with a live session featuring R&B artist and Bay Area native MXKA.

The House reflects Gap Inc.'s belief that investing in the local creative community is an investment in the Bay Area’s future. By creating opportunities for artists to develop and share their work, the company is helping foster cultural vitality while strengthening its connection to the city it’s called home for more than five decades. It showcases how purpose-driven community investment can create meaningful impact and bring Gap Inc.'s values to life through culture, creativity and storytelling.

Bay Area artists interested in being considered for future engagements can submit an inquiry.

Helping Bay Area Creative Businesses Grow
Through Makers Future Fund (MFF) Bay Area, Gap Inc. and Nest are supporting 30 local makers across 10 disciplines in taking their businesses to the next level. The inaugural cohort participants — who are eight weeks into the six-month program — are receiving personalized coaching and mentorship, taking part in weekly educational workshops, and learning from and building peer connections. They’ve also received a $2,500 business boost grant. The goal? Help them overcome barriers to growth and build more resilient businesses. Every maker is an entrepreneur creating jobs, preserving craft traditions and contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the Bay Area. By helping creative small business owners strengthen and grow their ventures, Gap Inc. is investing in the people who help communities thrive while supporting a more resilient creative economy in the Bay Area.

Looking ahead, the cohort's work will be showcased at the Gap Inc. x Nest Holiday Market at Gap Inc. Headquarters on December 4 – 5, where the public will have the opportunity to shop directly from all Makers Future Fund participants plus at least a dozen other local entrepreneurs. Stay tuned to Gap Inc. and Nest social channels for more information.

 

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