Adobe Forms Global Philanthropic Foundation

New Foundation’s First Initiative Engages Youth to Drive Social Change

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the Adobe Foundation, a global philanthropic organization focused on driving positive social change and community improvement. Formation of the foundation builds on Adobe’s long history of philanthropy - including grantmaking, software donations and training, employee volunteer programs and education initiatives - focused on making the communities where Adobe operates strong and more vibrant places to live, work and do business.

Adobe has historically allocated one percent of its annual net income to philanthropic giving, managed through a donor-advised fund at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). Going forward, these funds will be managed by the Adobe Foundation, creating a closer connection between Adobe and its philanthropic interests. The Adobe Foundation will initially manage Adobe’s flagship community program, Adobe Youth Voices, and administer new programs in the future.

The Foundation’s Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) program aims to empower pre-teen and teenage youths in underserved communities with hands-on experiences and digital tools, enabling them to communicate their ideas and share their stories in a range of mediums. Intended to deepen student passion for learning and activism by engaging youth on matters of personal interest, AYV programs are offered through 75 schools and non-profit organizations worldwide.

AYV participants walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s best-known creative minds, using the same video, multimedia, digital art, Web, animation and audio tools. The tools and instruction offered through AYV have enabled students to make expressive projects tackling diverse social issues ranging from bullying and gang violence to teen pregnancy and climate change. Student projects have been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Human Rights Watch Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. Highlights of student projects can be found by visiting http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/philanthropy/youthvoices .

“The Foundation is a natural extension of Adobe’s 25-year history of giving back,” said Shantanu Narayen, Adobe’s president and CEO. “Adobe’s products and technologies empower people to express themselves creatively and engage audiences in virtually every medium. The Foundation and the AYV program will enable under-privileged youth to learn new digital skills and, even more importantly, become more informed, engaged global citizens.”

“Adobe Youth Voices aligns with our corporate philosophy, products and values. We’re very proud to be taking this step to manage our philanthropic activities at Adobe,” said Michelle Mann, executive director of corporate social responsibility and director of the Adobe Foundation. “The Foundation will help our current program be even more effective and expand our programs into more countries.”

In 2007, Adobe donated more than $25.4 million in cash and software to schools and nonprofits throughout the world, including: the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston; Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley; Jan Madhyam in New Delhi; Give2Asia in Beijing; the Glide Foundation in San Francisco; IslandWood in Seattle; and iSisters Technology Mentoring Inc. in Ottawa, Canada.
About Adobe Youth Voices

Adobe Youth Voices is a global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth worldwide to comment on their world using multimedia and digital tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential and take action in their communities. Now in its second year, Adobe Youth Voices is bringing digital tools and training to students and educators at 75 schools and nonprofit organizations worldwide, including sites in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and India. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices .
About the Adobe Foundation

The Adobe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created and funded by Adobe Systems Incorporated to leverage human, technological and financial resources to drive social change and community improvements. The organization honors the philanthropic spirit initiated by Adobe founders John Warnock and Chuck Geschke. The Foundation aligns its giving to support communities where Adobe has employees, focusing on issues including homelessness, hunger, arts/culture, environment and access to technology for people with disabilities.
About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com

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