Kenneth Cole is an American designer, social activist, and visionary who believes business and philanthropy are interdependent. From the beginning he leveraged his passion and unique brand platform seeking to make a meaningful impact on people’s wardrobes, as well as communities in need. Kenneth has also supported social innovation programs for young people at his alma mater, Emory University, as well as Columbia University. 

In 2017, Kenneth designated a gift to the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University to create the Kenneth Cole Fund for Social Innovation. As many as six undergraduate students from Brown University or the Rhode Island School of Design are chosen each year as part of the Social Innovation Fellowship. These Kenneth Cole Social Innovation fellows work on ventures that utilize art and design or that focus on social justice, public health, and/or AIDS-related issues. 

The Kenneth Cole Fund for Social Innovation is a reflection of Kenneth’s commitment to the growing field of social entrepreneurship. The fellowship celebrates and supports the potential they recognize in future generations of Brown and RISD students to create positive and sustainable change.

Learn more about the Kenneth Cole Foundation.