This story was submitted by Shrunk Innovation Group
Reflecting on the year past, we at Shrunk are filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment for the strides we’ve taken as part of our Pledge 1% commitment. Our collective efforts have spanned various initiatives, each underpinned by our unwavering resolve to enact positive change within the communities we touch.
Embodying our commitment to diverse social initiatives, the Shrunk team (5 members) has contributed over 175 volunteer hours to the following areas;
- The Footpath Library to enrich the lives of the homeless through literacy,
- Planted trees for farmers to support the TreeProject carbon abatement programs,
- Planted and harvested vegetables for the Food for Change food security initiative,
- Partnered with University of Sydney OAASIS project team to combat modern slavery,
- Currently participating on the working group tasked with setting the international standard for direct workers voice through our contribution to Direct Workers Voice.
In the spirit of Pledge 1%, we chose to measure our impact not through a single lens, but through the multifaceted ways in which we’ve engaged with the world around us. Our dedication transcended the simple donation of resources; we focused on cultivating genuine connections, encouraging our clients to also participate, on understanding the needs of those we aimed to support, and on developing sustainable solutions to pressing issues.
We rolled up our sleeves and stepped into roles that called for empathy, innovation, and advocacy. Our hours of service became a testament to our belief in the transformative power of collective action. We became storytellers, listeners, and learners in our quest to uplift those around us. Through these experiences, we have not only contributed to our communities but also enriched our own understanding of service and impact.
Each project and partnership we embarked upon was chosen for its alignment with our values and its potential to create lasting change. Our journey has shown us that the essence of Pledge 1% is not captured solely in the grand gestures but in the everyday acts of kindness and service. It’s in the moments of human connection and the shared experiences that stitch together the fabric of community.
As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned and the relationships built over this year. We look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and a drive to continue our efforts, knowing that the impact of our work is not just in the actions we take today but in the impacts they create for tomorrow.
This story was submitted by Charter Hall Group
At Charter Hall, ‘doing good together’ isn’t just a saying—it’s what we do. This year we invested over $5 million by donating up to 1% of our profits, spaces and people’s time to benefit Australian communities.
We contributed over $1.4 million to support communities, a 16% increase from last year. During crises like recent floods, we united with GIVIT, contributing $100,000 to aid families in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
Beyond donations, we partnered with community organisations and social enterprises to provide over $1.5 million in underutilised space, as well as generate 210 employment outcomes for vulnerable Australians.
But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about our people. Our team rallied, volunteering an incredible 3,403 hours. We did a lot—cooking meals, packing hampers, helping wildlife, regenerating land and much more.
Thank you to our people and partners for joining us in making a real difference.
This story was submitted by GoodCloud.Team
January 2023 saw Stephen Stanley, a Salesforce-employed Success Architect laid off in a global headcount reduction initiated by the global cloud provider.
Stephen had always taken advantage of Salesforce’s 1:1:1 pledge and volunteered for at least 8 days per year while he was employed by them. They majority of his volunteering time was spent helping non-profit customers of Salesforce get more value from their own Salesforce implementations.
When his termination took effect in March, he went out on his own as a self-employed Salesforce Architect, but keen to continue to contribute to the non-profit sector, he continued to spend time helping out charities in New Zealand and overseas with their Salesforce implementations.
Luckily he has been busy with commercial clients so has been able to afford to contribute time to the non-profit community. Since March, he has volunteered 88 hours with non-profits as well as delivering 882 hours of paid-for work to his commercial clients.
This story was submitted by B1G1.
Creating over 330 million acts of kindness through incorporating global good into business actions.
In a world filled with challenges, there are individuals and organizations that stand out, making a real difference through their unwavering commitment to giving. One such initiative is B1G1 (originally known as Buy1GIVE1), spearheaded by a social entrepreneur, Masami Sato. B1G1 is not just a giving initiative; it’s a social enterprise, a B Corp and a member of the Pledge 1% movement.
The B1G1 initiative has unlocked more than 330 million impacts so far. These are “acts of kindness” from thousands of businesses they have worked with over the years. And as a Social Enterprise, B1G1 also pledges 1% of their own income to create Global Good.
These impacts include more than half a million trees planted, and millions of days of access to education, healthcare and income generation opportunities to families…., bridging the gaps of inequalities and helping create a more sustainable world.
The Birth of a Vision:
Masami’s journey from Japan to a global citizen was marked by a profound realization – the world is filled with inequalities, and something needed to change. In 2007, she founded B1G1 with the audacious goal of creating real WIN-WIN connections across cultures, people, and organizations. Little did she know that this endeavor would reshape the landscape of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
A Giving Revolution:
B1G1’s unique approach challenges the status quo. It’s not just about donating a portion of profits; it’s about integrating giving into the core of business operations. For over a decade, B1G1 has been at the forefront of empowering businesses to give with purpose. They’ve inspired countless companies to adopt a simple yet powerful concept: for every product sold or service rendered, a tangible impact is made in the world.
Impact at Scale:
The impact of B1G1 speaks for itself. Year after year, they’ve gone above and beyond the 1% commitment, showing that giving can be limitless. From providing clean water to education, healthcare, and more, B1G1 has touched countless lives. Their global network of businesses, all united by the common goal of giving back, has become a force for positive change.
B1G1’s Unique Approach:
B1G1’s methodology and platform anable businesses of all types and stages to integrame micro impacts into what they do everyday. It ensures three important things: IMPACT, HABIT and CONNECTION.
If every business action can create a tangible impact regularly, we can tackle all types of global issues together.
Joining Forces to Make a Real Difference:
As Giving Tuesday approaches, B1G1 invites you to be a part of their mission. Whether you’re a business owner, an individual, or part of the Pledge 1% community, you can join the movement to create a world where giving is an integral part of daily life.
The Power of Small:
B1G1’s commitment to giving is a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good and every small action can lead to a positive global change. Masami’s vision and B1G1’s impact are proof that together, we can build a better world.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s remember that giving isn’t just about what we do once; it’s about who we become in the process so that we can transform what we do all the time.
Together, we really can transform our world by creating a new habit.
For more information about B1G1 and their journey, visit their website here.
This story was submitted by Burnout Coach.
I invited Andrew Lustig, founder of Global Outreach Doctors on to my podcast in Nov ’22. I was so inspired by his story of how he (a non-doctor) left his NYC media job to found G.O.D., that I sent him a donation for his team in Ukraine at that time.
His motivation was waking up one morning, 20 years into his media career, and asking himself, “What am I doing to help humanity?”
I often ask the same question, and for much of my life I had no satisfactory answer. Neither did Andrew, at that time, but he took courageous action to re-align himself and just kept going, regardless of the danger and horror. Andrew sent me an email in Sep ’23 to let me know that his new country manager, recruited to head the team in Ukraine, was killed by a missile weeks into his new role, leaving behind his wife.
Both Andrew and his team have led such courageous missions into the war zones of the world, while I sit behind a desk.
Andrew’s still my favorite podcast guest. I’m a solopreneur, but the reason I work with men in burnout is that they suffer so much (often all their careers) for no really good reason. They don’t know how to escape, but actually, it’s quite simple to get out of burnout. I teach them. They go on to support and mentor huge numbers of people in their organizations, families, and network, and I’ve found that they, like Andrew, tend to be altruistic bighearted givers. It’s a small sum, from a tiny org to another small org, but I love to support people out there doing great things when I can.
Listen to the episode: https://www.burnouttoleadership.com/1849743/11650138-special-010-andrew-lustig-nd-humanitarian-aid-in-ukraine
This story was submitted by Brave Factor
At Brave Factor, we commit to creating a positive impact that goes beyond just business as usual. We believe in giving back to the local community that has embraced and supported us. This year, one that holds a special place in our hearts is our collaboration with Yayasan Seva Bhuana (YSB), a nonprofit organization based in Bali with a focus on improving animal welfare (and supporting the families who love them).
About Brave Factor
Since 2017, our digital agency has been dedicated to supporting nonprofits and mission-driven brands, ensuring they have the foundation they need to create clarity and increase their social impact online. We support local causes through donations, design or branding assistance, and knowledge-sharing. We consider it a privilege to give back to the communities, upcoming changemakers, and the beautiful island we call home.
About Yayasan Seva Bhuana (YSB)
Yayasan Seva Bhuana is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving animal welfare. Originating as a local initiative, YSB began by raising awareness in their neighborhood, addressing the needs of stray dogs, and engaging with the community. Their vision revolves around enhancing the welfare of animals through sterilization and education. Recognizing that mindset shifts take time, YSB ensures every individual they reach becomes an extended hand in promoting the importance of animal welfare within the broader Bali community.
How We Supported YSB This Year
Supporting YSB aligns with our belief in making a difference locally and assisting smaller nonprofits in achieving their goals. Bali is not just a location for us; it’s a community we deeply care about, and YSB’s mission resonates with our dedication to caring for those around us.
Understanding the importance of visibility and impact in the digital age, we collaborated with YSB to create a compelling online presence. Our team at Brave worked closely with YSB to design and develop their website, ensuring it effectively communicated their mission, programs, and goals. By enhancing their online visibility, we aimed to amplify YSB’s reach and engage a broader audience.
We also provided support in optimizing their donation processes. Recognizing the vital role that financial contributions play in achieving nonprofit objectives, we worked to streamline YSB’s donation system, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
Our collaboration with Yayasan Seva Bhuana is more than just a project; it’s a shared commitment to creating a positive impact on the welfare of animals and the community at large.
Original article here
Author: Maria Villalba Gomez
As a proud member of the Pledge 1% movement, Braze has committed to contribute 1% of its outstanding equity (as of 2021) over ten years to uplift charitable organizations through the Braze for Social Impact Fund at Tides Foundation. This commitment reflects our deep dedication to amplifying employee passions, investing in our communities, and driving science-based climate solutions. That’s why, for the second consecutive year, our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have played a pivotal role in guiding our philanthropic endeavors. These ERGs, formed by employees with shared experiences, interests, or backgrounds, have been instrumental in directing a significant portion of our Social Impact Fund. By harnessing the collective expertise and enthusiasm of our diverse workforce, we ensure that our charitable contributions directly serve and resonate with the communities our employees care about.
In the second year of the Braze ERG Grant Program, our ten ERGs have allocated $300,000 in unrestricted grants to over 36 impactful nonprofits and charities worldwide since August 2023. These organizations, chosen by each ERG to reflect their values, address a broad spectrum of needs, from providing immediate support and essential services to advocating for systemic change. By supporting organizations that empower underrepresented and marginalized communities, our ERGs honor their shared experiences and interests, driving tangible and positive change across the global communities they passionately support.
“Pride@ Braze chose to support the Ali Forney Center, Galop, the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, and 56 Dean Street because of their unwavering commitment to advocating for and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. These organizations are at the forefront of providing essential services, legal assistance, and healthcare to those in need, both domestically and internationally. Our inclusive choice reflects Pride@Braze’s dedication to global equality and resilience, embodying our shared values. By supporting these organizations, we aim to make a tangible impact and contribute to the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being worldwide. It’s an honor to be able to contribute to these remarkable organizations as they continue to make a difference and positive impact within our communities.”
—Hannah Collins, Pride@Braze President
For a comprehensive list of this year’s grant recipients, please see below:
2024 ERG Grants
Asians@Braze:
Asian Mental Health Collective works to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.
Chinatown Health aims to improve access to quality health care for underserved Asian Americans and other vulnerable populations by supporting community-based health care services.
Japanese American National Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.
Stand with Asian Americans supports Asian American communities through organizing and empowerment efforts.
Black@Braze:
Black Girl Ventures Foundation aims to provide underrepresented woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity-building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) supports Black individuals, families, and communities in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equity.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a call to action for major retailers and corporations to join in creating sustainable and supportive ecosystems for Black-owned businesses to succeed. They work with companies to comprehensively re-evaluate their organizational structures, ways of working, funding, and resourcing in order to implement meaningful change and create greater equity for Black businesses.
PRINCESS Foundation provides mentoring and empowerment programs for high school females in New Jersey. Their primary purpose is to address the unmet challenges faced by young women, guiding them toward success and empowerment.
Brown@Braze:
IKWRO provides advice and support to Middle Eastern, North African, and Afghan women and girls living in the UK who have experienced or are at risk of all forms of “honor” based abuse, including: Forced marriage, child marriage, and female genital mutilation, or domestic abuse by offering free advice, advocacy, and counseling services.
Udavum Karangal (Helping Hands) has the sole objective to serve people in need. The center provides individualized services including treatment, care, rehabilitation, and education.
Sewa International specializes in disaster relief and rehabilitation. Their development programs focus on family services; child, tribal, and refugee welfare; women empowerment; health; and education.
Elle@Braze:
Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Girls Who Code works to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does through coding clubs, summer programs, and college and career programs.
Ipas works globally to advance reproductive justice by expanding access to abortion and contraception.
Seeds of Fortune is a scholars program and ed tech platform creating the next generation of financially empowered young women of color. They help them apply for college scholarships and teach career, financial, and management skills.
World Central Kitchen is first on the frontlines, providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and during prolonged humanitarian crises, such as the war in Ukraine.
Healthy Minds@Braze:
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide prevention movement that provides free and confidential helpline and webchat for those who need to talk, among many other community and campaign services.
Jaya Mental Health aims to equip healthcare professionals and local people with the resources needed to cope with mental illness in South Asia.
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
To Write Love On Her Arms is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
Jews@Braze:
The Holocaust Educational Trust works to ensure that people from every background are educated about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today.
UJA-Federation of New York cares for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, responding to crises both close to home and far away, strengthening the local Jewish community, and building coalitions that promote inclusion.
Muslims@Braze:
Baitulmaal USA provides life-saving, life-sustaining, and life-enriching humanitarian aid to underserved populations around the world.
Global Deaf Muslim USA works to address the rights and needs of Deaf Muslims across the global ummah, increasing the access to Islamic information available in sign language.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development is a global humanitarian relief and development organization responding to human suffering in emergency and disaster situations around the world. In addition to emergency relief efforts in natural or man-made disasters, they also work on long-term relief and development programs.
Nisa Homes offers transitional homes for immigrant, refugee, non-status, and Muslim women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Nisa Homes envision a flourishing Muslim community in which help is available, shelter is attainable, and healing is possible.
Parents@Braze:
Children International seeks to ensure children around the world have access to healthcare, food, and shelter, as well as learning and child protection services when children need it most.
Hello Nurze is a platform where medically complex families can find in-home nursing care and nurses can find opportunities to work with families in need.
We All Code’s mission is to introduce a diverse group of children to the fun of coding by providing free educational resources and hands-on classes.
Every Mother Counts aims to achieve quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care for all by giving grants and working with partners and thought leaders to increase awareness and mobilize communities to take action.
Pride@Braze:
Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people in the UK who have experienced abuse and violence every year. They specialize in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, honor-based abuse, forced marriage, so-called conversion therapies, and other forms of interpersonal abuse.
The Ali Forney Center is committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people by protecting them from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently.
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence.
56 Dean Street is an expert sexual health clinic in London that focuses on the needs of the LGBTQI+ community.
SOMOS:
GreenLatinos is an active community of Latino leaders confronting national and local environmental issues in the Latino community.
Forever Changed International is dedicated to providing holistic care for vulnerable children. Through Dorie’s Promise Orphan Care Home in Guatemala City, they offer a nurturing environment where children receive comprehensive support from trained professionals in pediatrics, education, social work, and child care.
The Colibrí Center for Human Rights works to create a safe, humane, and effective process for families of missing migrants to find answers.
Philanthropic giving is just one facet of our comprehensive social impact strategy. Through the Braze for Social Impact Fund, we are deeply committed to driving meaningful change and creating a lasting positive impact on underrepresented and underserved communities. We take immense pride in the difference these grants will make in the lives of individuals and the broader communities we strive to uplift.
To learn more about Braze and our social impact efforts, check out our 2024 ESG Report coming soon in July 2024. Check out last year’s report here.
Record Point, a member of the Pledge 1% community, is dedicated to making a positive impact in their local and global communities. They stand behind causes their employees are passionate about and align with their company’s values.
Record Point champions DV Safe Phones’ mission to supply ‘secure’ mobile phones to domestic violence survivors.
This collaboration has significantly transformed the lives of over 500 individuals impacted by domestic violence in Australia.
DV Safe Phone: A Lifeline for Domestic Violence Survivors
Founded by Ashton Wood in April 2020, DV Safe Phone is a unique initiative that strives to repurpose unused mobile phones from people’s drawers and place them in the hands of those who need them the most—domestic violence survivors. This program has been a beacon of hope for individuals who often find themselves isolated and in distress during emergencies due to the loss of their vital means of communication.
The DV Safe Phone initiative operates by providing refurbished mobile phones to domestic violence victims through partnerships with registered charities, safe houses, and authorities. These mobile phones act as lifelines for victims, enabling them to connect with loved ones and essential services, offering them a way out of abusive situations.
The impact of this initiative is not to be underestimated, as it has distributed over 6,800 life-saving devices, each one representing a transformed life through the gift of a safe phone. The collected old mobile phones donated by individuals play a vital role in this program, providing victims with a means to reach out for help and support during their most challenging moments, free of charge.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
The DV Safe Phone initiative’s mission is clear—to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors by repurposing unused mobile phones. You can get involved by visiting https://dvsafephone.org/donate-phones to find out where you can donate your old mobile phone. Your contribution, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on someone’s life.
To gain a better understanding of the work, mission, and impact of DV Safe Phone, we encourage you to watch this video, https://tinyurl.com/dvsafephone, which offers a firsthand look at the positive changes this initiative is making in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
Join the Movement
Record Point’s commitment to supporting causes like DV Safe Phone demonstrates how businesses can play a pivotal role in driving positive change. To learn more about DV Safe Phone and how you can contribute to this life-changing initiative, visit their website at https://dvsafephone.org/.
Your support and involvement are greatly appreciated as we strive to create a better, safer future for those affected by domestic violence.
Together, through collaboration and shared purpose, we can not only excel in business but also champion a brighter, sustainable future for all.
Originally posted here.
By: Gina Tesla
At Coupa we’re dedicated to unlocking purpose for the communities where we work and live. We believe in the exponential impact of working with our customers, partners and local communities to innovate and drive results on key societal issues. One of the causes we are dedicated to is environmental justice, and we were delighted when Salesforce Naomi Morenzoni Rebecca Ferguson agreed to jump into our Equal Air Project focused on the disproportionate effects of air pollution on marginalized communities. Salesforce and Coupa recognize that communities are an important element of a comprehensive climate strategy, that we must engage those most affected in meaningful solutions.
Together, we contributed expertise through Coupa’s Purpose in Action program, which partnered with nonprofits, Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet, Sustainable Silicon Valley, and Rise South City to improve their impact on local communities. We applaud nonprofits and their dedication to community-driven solutions and we recognize that we have an important role to play in supporting their success through strategic volunteerism, with key implementation partners such as Pyxera Global.
As a result of our blended Coupa and Salesforce teams, we dedicated nearly 1,000 hours, provided recommendations for scaling programs, expanded donor engagement and organizational strategy, created networks among the nonprofits, and are providing ongoing support through employee volunteerism.
We know that collaboration drives innovation, particularly when we engage diverse knowledge sets and experiences, which is why Coupa and Salesforce not only contributed expertise, but also learned together, with and from, our nonprofit partners which makes all of us stronger. Our employees benefited from stepping out of their comfort zones and day-to-day responsibilities to challenge themselves to apply their knowledge and lived experiences for the benefit of communities. This provided an opportunity for everyone to learn, grow and lead. We look forward to expanding this impact through the Pledge 1% network and beyond in 2024.
More about Coupa and Salesforce Purpose in Action Collaboration
Pyxera Global, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., boasts over 30 years of experience operating in over 100 countries. Its mission is to enhance global resilience by mobilizing the collective resources of corporations, governments, and communities to drive positive social and environmental change. Pyxera Global offers strategy, advisory, technical assistance, and implementation services to partners committed to incubating and accelerating community-driven solutions while bolstering local economies and respecting planetary boundaries. We partnered with Pyxera Global to help identify our nonprofit partners, develop challenge statements best suited for Coupa and Salesforce teams to address, and support team engagement throughout the project.
Acterra is a beacon of hope and innovation in fostering sustainable change. Dedicated to driving local solutions for a healthier planet, their focus ranges from promoting sustainable food systems and energy efficiency to advocating renewable energy and sustainable business practices. Our joint mission focused on amplifying Acterra’s outreach, arming them with insights that will motivate more individuals to embrace sustainable living. This included helping to identify new donors and opportunities for program growth. We also delivered technical and community engagement solutions to establish meaningful relationships across communities in the Bay Area for Acterra, including analysis of translation services, communications content, and partnership recommendations.
Sustainable Silicon Valley collaborates with an impressive array of stakeholders, from tech giants to local communities, to confront the Bay Area’s most pressing sustainability challenges. We worked to streamline the messaging surrounding the Youth Air Quality Advocate program by creating materials to secure funding, a roadmap and future recommendations for the program’s success and scalability. By doing so, we aim to empower a new generation to understand, measure, and counteract air pollution in their localities.
Lastly, our collaboration with Rise South City holds a special promise. Dedicated to facilitating critical dialogues about climate change and social equity, Rise South City stands at an exciting growth juncture. Our teams worked closely with them to craft a robust strategic plan, helping them solidify their organizational structure, governance, and standards of excellence.