Our Approach

Through interviews and initial research, PD and the Foundation quickly found that for many young people, the threshold to engaging in social activism was the de-stigmatization of the phrase “I don’t know,” when speaking about impact topics. The Foundation focuses on sharing educational tools and opportunities to help changemakers know that part of activism is constant learning, and that anyone can make change at a local level. Shawn invites his fans and followers to join him on a learning journey as he explores his own philanthropic passions.

As its signature initiative, the Foundation gives out Wonder Grants to youth doing work on the ground in various issue areas including education, mental health, social activism, environment, food insecurity, and film. PD identifies and manages the relationships with these changemakers including administering financial support through mini-grants and providing guidance and support as they continue their work.

To tie into the Foundation mission of bringing his fans on an impact learning journey,  Shawn shares his platform with Wonder Grant recipients who each get an opportunity to “takeover” Shawn or The Shawn Mendes Foundation’s social media channels to share any information they would like to about their work.. The activists are able to share causes, messages, organizations, resources, and motivational tips with Shawn’s vast audience of potential changemakers around the world.