This story was submitted by Braze.
Earlier this month, Braze held its third annual Volunteer Week, a global week of service where employees are encouraged to take time out of their busy work schedules to give back to the local communities where we live and work.
At Braze, our Social Impact mission is to use our technology, ecosystem, and people to advance equitable growth, accelerate science-based climate solutions, and create opportunity for underserved groups within our communities. Volunteer Week is a big part of how we amplify our impact for and with our communities, and we are incredibly grateful to each employee who gave their time.
The week consisted of 33 in-person and eight virtual volunteer events, where a total of 540 employees rolled up their sleeves to serve over 1,200 total hours in support of 19 nonprofit organizations. Below is a recap of our global volunteer activities organized by cause area:
Providing access to healthy and nutritious food
Employees volunteered their time in support of organizations tackling food insecurity and providing access to nutritious foods for those in need. From sorting and packaging more than 2,700 meals-worth of food donations for vulnerable communities in Central Texas, to hand-delivering warm meals to homebound elderly in NYC, employees across six global cities served over 300 hours to address this critical cause.
“Braze volunteers helped to pack 758 boxes of food, weighing a total of 6,550 lbs. That is equivalent to approximately 5,295 meals for our neighbors facing food insecurity. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are grateful for Braze’s investment in our mission.”
-Charlene Moser, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Food Bank of the Rockies
Organizations supported:
Austin: Central Texas Food Bank
Australia: Our Big Kitchen
Chicago: Common Pantry
Denver: Food Bank of the Rockies
NYC: Citymeals on Wheels
Paris: Secours Populaire
Supporting ecological restoration and conservation efforts
Employees spent their time protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable ecosystems. In Los Angeles, a group of remote employees participated in an ecological restoration event with TreePeople to clear invasive species, plant new trees, and learn about the natural ecology of their urban environment. In London, employees volunteered with both The Conservation Volunteers and Global Generation to promote sustainable habitats for the local community through planting and woodworking. NYC-based employees conducted gardening maintenance with Fort Greene Park, and employees in San Francisco carried out various habitat restoration tasks at Mount Sutro alongside Sutro Stewards.
Serving our unhoused neighbors
Across Austin, Berlin, and NYC, employees dedicated their time to nonprofits in direct service of those experiencing homelessness. Austin employees prepared and served warm meals for over 150 individuals at Caritas of Austin. Berlin employees conducted an aid mission on Berlin’s streets to supply vulnerable individuals with hot meals, beverages, clothing, and essential items through Berliner Obdachlosenhilfe. And, despite the unforeseen air quality impacts drifting over from the Canadian wildfires, employees in New York City rallied together to serve meals at Bowery Mission in the Lower East Side.
“Braze has shown their dedication to ending homelessness in our city by not only supporting our Community Kitchen through preparing and distributing meals but also by doubling their impact through meal sponsorships. Thank you, Braze, for continuing to support our work of ending homelessness and establishing well-being in Austin!”
-Perla Carranza, Community Partner Coordinator at Caritas of Austin
Removing waste from our waters
In Tokyo, volunteers removed over 1,300 liters of trash along the Arakawa River in partnership with Hands on Tokyo. In Chicago, employees gathered to clean up North Avenue Beach in an effort to conserve and restore the world’s largest freshwater resource alongside the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Singapore employees volunteered with Waterways Watch Society, collecting more than 140 liters of trash via pedal boat in the Marina Reservoir.
Empowering youth development and career readiness
Braze team members volunteered virtually with SuitUp, an organization on a mission to increase career readiness for all students through innovative business plan competitions. Volunteers leveraged their skills to coach students through the creation of a marketing strategy pitch, providing them with exposure to corporate employment opportunities that exist beyond higher education.
Providing sighted support for the visually-impaired
Employees from around the globe opted to volunteer virtually with Be My Eyes, a social enterprise app that pairs volunteers with individuals needing sighted support through a one-way video interface. Braze volunteers helped individuals with a variety of tasks such as reading a blood pressure monitor, checking sell-by dates on food items, troubleshooting thermostats, organizing medication, and sorting mail.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to the staff of each organization mentioned above, whose time and investment in bringing our employee groups in to support their work does not go unnoticed. And on behalf of the Social Impact team, we look forward to sharing future updates with you all as we strive to build a year-round culture of volunteerism at Braze.
This story was submitted by Insured Nomads.
Insurance for the modern company with distributed teams, remote workers and travelers is a segment that protects against financial loss due to illness and injury but in the case of Insured Nomads, it also protects much more than their members.
Before they had members with policies they partnered with Not for Sale, a globally recognized non-profit that has been awarded the Candid Platinum seal for transparency and highly ranked by Charity Navigator for their work in supporting those who are exploited, vulnerable to exploitation, and forced labor.
Insured Nomads has been a member of Pledge 1% for 3 years now in their commitment to give from the profits and proceeds from purchases in their culture of generosity.
Not For Sale was able to help 80,844 survivors and at-risk individuals in 10 countries. They helped over 70,000 people by providing access to an array of services – such as skills training, jobs, access to capital, clean water, social services, education, trafficking prevention, and more.
People and Planet
The work we’ve carried out for almost 20 years has addressed extreme exploitation across the globe and led to two major takeaways:
1.The economic conditions in many of the places they work require decades to elevate entire communities out of desperate conditions. This long-term engagement can take the form of traditional philanthropy, healthy governance and the careful cultivation of healthy financial systems.
2. Many of the people clearing our planet’s rain forests and digging up minerals are doing so under the condition of forced labor. It’s often the most exploited people who are forced to extract the planet’s resources. So, addressing exploitation at the crossroads of people and planet is critical to our future.
Only through the multi-pronged empowerment of at-risk people in places like the Amazon and Central African rainforests will we see a planet where we are truly Not For Sale.
Nearly everything we consume — from clothing, to the batteries in our cell phones, to the fish we eat — has forced labor and exploitation hidden somewhere inside its production.
At Insured Nomads and Not For Sale, we envision a future without exploitation and forced labor — where everyone has access to dignified opportunities and the resources they need to thrive.
Learn more about Insured Nomads commitment to social impact and Not For Sale by visiting this page.
This story was submitted by Compass Furnished Apartments.
Our pledge of 1% of product and profit, allowed us to donate over 175 room nights (and counting) this year to patients and families traveling for medical purposes through our Compass Cares Program. Compass Cares is our philanthropic program and is woven into everything we do. It is truly part of the fabric of who we are. Through this program, we’re committed to improving company culture, focusing on sustainability, and supporting our community.
At the heart of Compass Cares are the patients and families traveling for medical purposes. Our private and convenient living spaces provide them the comforts of home so they can focus on healing.
From creating relationships with our like-minded partners to our pledge, our Compass Cares program allows us to go the extra mile and provide support for those in need. Other things our Compass Cares program allows us to do:
On each employee’s anniversary, we donate $100 to a nonprofit of their choice
We’ve supported causes like Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Judes, Best Friends Animal Society, The Breast Cancer Alliance, & more!
On each employee’s birthday, we plant a tree in their name
To date, we’ve planted over 20 trees from this new initiative!
Each Earth Day, we donate $500 to support sustainability in our local communities & so much more!
The Apartment Program
Research shows that hospitalized patients, especially children, heal faster and cope better when family members are nearby. Our award-winning philanthropic program, Compass Cares, provides comfortable, fully furnished, and equipped accommodations conveniently located near hospitals and medical centers so patients and families can focus on healing.
“As our Compass Cares program solidified and grew, we knew we had to do more. We were committed to getting the word out. We had available apartments and there were people in need. Who better than us to help? – Chris Fleming, CEO
Come Home With Confidence
We know that housing is just one small aspect of a treatment plan. Our crew’s hope is that staying in a Compass Cares apartment will alleviate some of the stress patients and families face during such a difficult time. Compass Cares guests receive extra benefits like gifts, discounts, and extra support.
“ You can only be in the battle for so long without destroying yourself and then you are no longer helpful. Compass gave me the ability to rest and be ready to go in and help my son again. ” – The Capalbo Family
“The apartment was like a cocoon where we were just coping and healing. The extra space and sofa bed allowed for my husband and daughter, who we missed so much, to visit on the weekends. We were cozy, warm, and safe there. ” – The MacLaury Family
Comforts Of Home
Upon arrival is a complimentary box of pasta and sauce to get the family started. They’ll also find in-unit laundry, fully equipped kitchens, and spacious living areas to ensure comfort and a homey feeling, no matter their schedule or length of stay.
“Our apartment was our home away from home from day one. It had a well-equipped kitchen, which was important since I had to home-cook all of my food due to stringent dietary restrictions after transplant.” – The Elwell Family
24/7 Guest Services
Our compassionate and responsive team ensures that travel accommodations are specifically personalized for every family, their lifestyle, and their needs. If they need an extra item, housekeeping services, or grocery packages, our team is available to them 24/7.
“When we got to our apartment, we found a bowl of Cosmic Crisp apples waiting for us, which was a very nice touch. Within a short time we got a call from the Compass guest services person. She made it very clear that she was here to help us in any way we needed. And then she did just that. She found us a fan to use, and had medical faxes sent to our local providers to name a few things. From both folks we dealt with directly, the service was beyond expectations.” – The Campbell Family
Prime Locations
We have hundreds of our own luxury apartments in prime locations located near hospitals. Many of our apartments are within walking distance from hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants to make their stay convenient.
“Although facing a difficult situation, Compass helped make things easier for us. The locations were excellent. During our stay at The Harlo, we made at least 2-3 trips to the hospital each day and we didn’t have to worry about the commute at all. The stores and restaurants were close by which saved us time with everything. When we stayed at The Bennington, it was nice to be close to the beach/airport so the girls can enjoy the outdoors. We are forever grateful for the help and support we’ve received from Compass!” – The Lee Family
Flexible Leases
We know that as their treatment plans change, so does their stay. That’s why we give extra flexibility on move-in/move-out dates.
Partnership Donations & Gifts
We purposefully choose like-minded supplies for our complimentary welcome gifts to further improve our environmental impact and support causes we’re passionate about.
Our Compass Cares partnerships provide thoughtful donations to patients and families such as snacks, toys, and discounts at local restaurants/shops.
Extending Our Give
Hospitality Homes is a nonprofit organization in Boston that provides short-term housing in volunteer host homes for patients receiving medical care. At times, their guests are unable to share housing with host families. Compass Cares has flourished and continues to serve as a unique resource providing private accommodations so Hospitality Homes never have to turn a patient or family away.
“Without Compass Furnished Apartments partnership with Hospitality Homes, I would have spent hours researching neighborhoods, contacting hotels, and comparing apartments and prices. Instead, they managed all this for me, allowing me to focus on my son and his care, which was priceless!” -The Parsons Family.
This story was submitted by CG Infinity.
Over 2023, our teams have volunteered each month at 8 different organizations across the US, including the North Texas Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, Food Bank of the Rockies, Arkansas Food Bank, Roadrunner Food Bank, Conway Ministry Center, Masterkey Ministries, and Seventh Day Adventist Church in our fight against hunger. As of today, we have helped contribute over 200k meals in 2023. That covers organizations in Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.
This story was submitted by Viventa LLC.
At the heart of Viventa beats an unwavering commitment to social responsibility. Through our 1% Pledge initiative, we pledge to donate 1% of our time, services, and profit to social causes. This commitment goes beyond real estate transactions; it is a firm vow to build a world where everyone has a place to call home.
This year, we immersed ourselves in a volunteer program in Colombia alongside the TECHO foundation, tirelessly working to build not one, but two homes free of charge. These constructions not only symbolized a tangible change in the lives of two families but also illuminated hope in the midst of adversity.
It was a rewarding experience, where over 400 hours of hard work translated into homes that significantly improved the quality of life for those who needed it most. At Viventa, we believe in the power of making a difference and in each individual’s capacity to transform lives.
But our mission doesn’t end here. At Viventa, we offer more than a real estate service; we provide a pathway to home. For migrants wishing to materialize their dreams in Colombia, we offer comprehensive financial solutions, including:
Mortgages in local currency.
Assistance programs for down payments.
Credit counseling and financial planning services.
Part of these services are also donated to the community, particularly to single mothers who, in addition to financially supporting their families in their home country, also strive in the country they migrated to.
Homeownership is not just a financial investment but an indelible bond with stability, security, and a sense of belonging. For migrants, it is a connection to their roots, a place for their children to grow, and a source of financial security in retirement.
Viventa, investments as powerful as you.
This story was submitted by Remitly.
In 2023, Remitly employees volunteered over 1,000 hours to support global nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on advancing financial inclusion and creating community resiliency for immigrants and their families across the globe.
In addition, we, along with our employees, supported over 200 nonprofits through giving and volunteering throughout the year, including 20 events as a team – bringing together our global teams, affinity groups, and our community partners to support the global communities that our customers and their loved ones are part of. One example (pictures above), was a volunteer event at Remitly’s Seattle office in July with Remitly’s women’s affinity group, Elevate, hosted by Ignite Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in STEM, in conjunction with the World Affairs Council’s TechGirls program. Read more here: Link
For Global Giving Tuesday, Remitly donated to Kiva, a microlending nonprofit organization, to support Kiva’s deep commitment to accelerating gender equality and creating financial opportunities for refugees around the globe – enabling our more than 2,700 employees to participate alongside us by utilizing Kiva credits to recommend which loans to fund. Each loan provides individuals with the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
This story was submitted by Spaulding Ridge.
At Spaulding Ridge, giving back is in our DNA. We volunteer our time, expertise, and resources to benefit communities where we work and support partner organizations that are making the world a better place. Through community service events across the globe, our employees create impactful and meaningful change in their communities. We’re incredibly proud to say our employees have volunteered over 3,000 hours year-to-date, and we hope to continue this trend as we wrap up the year. Every member of the Spaulding Ridge band contributes in their own way—but one member of our team, Ember Parr, went above and beyond. Here’s her story:
Innov8 Africa
Innov8 Africa is a non-profit organization that partners with schools and communities in Kenya. The organization ensures communities have access to eight modules: clean water, food security, reforestation, beekeeping, poultry farming, livestock banking, solar power, and computer technology. The organization’s founders, Lisa Palet and Ernie Williams, are family friends of mine, and earlier this year, my son Aiden, other family members, and I flew to Narok County in Kenya to volunteer. We worked with teachers, local leaders, and the Innov8 Africa team at local schools and neighboring communities. In partnership with Innov8 Africa and other community partners, we helped provide millions of liters of clean water, educational opportunities, and much more.
Oloisiyio Arid Zone Primary School
The group’s first school visit was with the students at Oloisiyio School in Narok County, one of the first schools to get sponsorship from Innov8 Africa. Since the sponsorship began, the school has seen profound improvements; the implementation of reliable food & water sources and the installation of computer labs gave the school access to all eight modules. Students acquired access to everything they needed to thrive, and Oloisiyio is now one of only three schools in Narok with a functional computer lab!
Oloamiana Primary School
Next, our group visited Oloamiana Primary, where students and staff were preparing a celebration before a three-month break from school. The students taught us about their own cooking techniques, including how to make a type of flatbread popular in Kenya called Chapati, and we taught the kids how Americans make mashed potatoes! In preparation for our visit, the children made chef’s hats to wear! As the day went on, students even taught us some of the traditional Maasai dances, though none of us were very good!
Oloamiana was struggling to capture water from a nearby well, resulting in diminished crop production. During our visit, the Innov8 Africa team was able to provide a new water tank which will give the students and staff necessary food security for the coming years.
Beekeeping with the Maasai Women
On our next adventure, we spent a full day with a group of women who run a co-op beekeeping operation. Innov8 Africa empowers these women to purchase beehives and provide educational resources on different beekeeping practices. Through this operation, the women can earn money to support their communities.
During the day, we spent time with the women, getting to know them on a personal level and understanding their way of life. I learned about the 32-mile round trip these women make each week to visit the market, sell honey, and buy necessities. In the evening, they taught us how to make a traditional Maasai dinner in their homes and shared a meal with us. When the sun set, the bees became docile enough to collect honey.
Women’s Issues and Providing Educational Resources
During one of our dinners in Narok, we had the opportunity to meet with Anne Mootian. Anne is a women’s advocate in Kenya and has traveled internationally spreading awareness of the issues women face. The group and I had an informative and meaningful conversation with Anne, and I was especially grateful to have my son there to learn about the positive work being done for women.
Education leaders in Narok take time with female students to educate them on safe practices and offer resources to aid in their success as young leaders. Learning the importance of female empowerment in Narok was an experience I’ll take with me in everything I do.
My Takeaway
My time with Innov8 Africa and the communities they support was life changing. Despite the issues they face daily, the people I met were eager to improve their communities and provide their children with more resources. Experiencing the trip with my son, I thought about how lucky we both were that I could give him food, water, and an education—and how grateful I was Innov8 Africa is there for the communities who need it.
This story was submitted by SalesCraft.
This year, we committed to the 1% Pledge Program, galvanizing our efforts to combat climate change and promote safe environmental practices at the grassroots level. The prospect of making a meaningful impact as an individual can seem daunting, yet at SalesCraft, our Salesforce consultancy based in New York, we are dedicated to finding ways to collectively forge a more sustainable future.
Our initiatives range from exclusive use of biodegradable and recyclable materials to company-wide volunteer programs. Our recent engagement with the Billion Oyster Project was particularly inspiring, with their dedication to revitalizing the health of New York Harbor. We are captivated by their mission “to restore the harbor to its former status as an ecological gem” and are committed to contributing to a cleaner New York.
This story was submitted by Phin.
The vision for Phin has remained unchanged since we founded the company in 2019: to be an exponential force for good and compassion. Full stop.
If we unpack that vision, the one word that stands out is ‘exponential.’ How do we achieve a far greater impact with the resources we can deploy to solve the world’s unending challenges?
In short, we believe in the power of business. Creating a values-based company culture built on a foundation of trust isn’t just aspirational, it’s good business. Phin helps companies understand their purpose beyond profit and multiply their impact, every day. By delivering real business value to company leaders, we incentivize investment in philanthropy. In short, we exponentially generate donations for charitable organizations, where none existed before.
So why are we excited by simple punctuation?
Because we just added a comma to our total donations generated through Phin…$1,000,000!
In fact, the total as of today is over $1,250,000 with two commas instead of one, a highly exponential piece of punctuation.
There are a few reasons why this is such a major milestone.
First, let’s be honest, it’s just a darn fine looking number.
Secondly, It took us three years to go from zero to $10,000 to $500,000. Then just one year to double it to over $1,000,000 dollars. That’s a lovely curve on a chart.
The main reason it is so gratifying is the good work we have done!
It is the equivalent of 1,000,000 million trees through One Tree Planted or 2,000,000 meals through Island Harvest.
It’s the equivalent of 77,000 people being provided with drinkable water through Saha Global.
It’s 50 companies funding donations to 330 charities, each charity receiving on average a total of $3,500.
It’s 15,000 empowered employees and customers, donating company philanthropic funds 23,000 times with an average of $50 per donation.
For this, we thank the team at Phin and the company leaders, our customers, who said ‘yes’ and funded this remarkable, collective impact. Of course, the reason these funds have this impact is the wonderful charities that have both the vision and determination to effect genuine change in the world.
With the depth of the Phin community, we are now on our way. And we better be, we have a few more commas to add to that beautiful number representing so much impact, $100,000,000.