Many people want to support their communities or causes they care about, but don’t have the time or extra funds to donate or even know where to start. Luckily, there are companies—like the ones on this list—that take the guesswork out of giving back through initiatives like their own foundations or charitable funds, employee volunteer programs, or generous donation matching.
The employers below come from a variety of industries, yet they are all dedicated to giving back to their communities. The software company Atlassian, for example, donates 1% of its equity, profit, employee time, and products to its own foundation, which has received more than $54 million and 200,000 hours volunteered since it was established. And Nike collaborates with more than 200 organizations around the world to bring sports-based programs to young people that aim to address inequality.
While searching for jobs at the below companies, make sure to check out their profiles on The Muse, which shed light on their missions and culture. You’ll also hear from real employees, such as Terron Browne, a project manager at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “If you're interested in healthcare, there's a lot of opportunity, regardless of what your specific functional interest might be,” he says. “The ability to move from interest to interest and still be able to make an impact and work with great people is typical at MSK.”
Keep reading to learn more about how these businesses are giving back to their communities and empowering employees—which could be you!—to make a difference.
1. Atlassian
Be the change you seek is one of Atlassian’s five core values, which has had a huge influence on how the company approaches giving back. It created the Atlassian Foundation to tackle disadvantages on a global scale and in its own backyards because it is passionate about helping impact-driven organizations do more and dream bigger. As a company, it contributes 1% of its equity, profit, employee time, and products to the Foundation. This amounts to more than $54 million donated, over 200,000 hours volunteered, and more than 133,000 free or deeply-discounted product licenses provided to nonprofits. The Foundation is a special part of the Atlassian experience, empowering employees to use their talent, time, and tools to be the change they seek in the world.
2. NIKE, Inc.
Across Nike, Jordan, and Converse, the company is creating a future where everyone has what they need to succeed—starting in the cities where employees live, work, and play. From the Black Community Commitment to the Inclusive Community program, Nike’s investments are designed to strengthen communities. In collaboration with more than 200 organizations around the world, the company is bringing research-backed, inclusive play- and sport-based programs to the next generation, leveling the playing field and addressing inequality.
3. Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing and accessories available for purchase worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Gap has a foundation/charitable fund and partnerships with nonprofits. There are also volunteer programs that employees can regularly participate in, and employees receive annual time off to give back.
4. Diageo
Diageo is a proud supporter of Packages From Home, whose primary purpose is to provide food, personal care, and other items to deployed American servicemen and women from every branch of the military, while simultaneously supporting the needs of military working/service dogs and veterans who have returned home. Every year, Diageo offices dedicate a day for team members to support this cause by putting together care packages.
5. Broadridge
Through the Broadridge Foundation, the company directs resources to charitable causes, develops community-focused action plans, and provides donation-matching, among other efforts. To support its associates’ community involvement and participation in volunteer-related activities, Broadridge offers up to three days annually of paid time off for eligible activities. Through local Volunteer Councils, Broadridge associates take on leadership roles to coordinate volunteer opportunities, connect with the community, increase employee engagement, and promote teamwork. Examples include packing meals for students who would otherwise go hungry outside of school, improving and beautifying homes for those in need, and mentoring students at local high schools. Broadridge’s Matching Gift Program makes a dollar-for-dollar match up to $3,000 (or country equivalent) annually to help employees leverage their personal contributions to nonprofit organizations globally.
6. Visa
Visa’s mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. Visa has a foundation/charitable fund and partnerships with nonprofits. The company also provides employees with annual time off to give back and there are volunteer programs that employees can regularly participate in.
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7. Bombas
Giving back has been core to Bombas’ DNA since the very beginning, when the brand’s “One Purchased = One Donated” model was founded to provide clothing to the homeless community. Today, the brand has a dedicated Giving Team that supports a network of 3,500+ Giving Partners across the U.S. This team connects regularly with Giving Partners to not only ensure the thoughtful distribution of Bombas donation products, but also to build relationships and gain insights that foster its commitment to education, compassion, and spreading awareness around those who experience homelessness. Initiatives like its recently released impact report focus on transparency around the Giving Team’s mission.
8. Palo Alto Networks
Making a meaningful difference and uplifting communities is core to Palo Alto Networks’ vision of a world that is safe and secure. The company’s signature social impact program is focused on diversifying the talent pipeline, which it achieves through mentorship programs and lessons for youth. Its SMILE program enables volunteerism and charitable giving, including matching of up to $1,000 per employee per calendar year. Employees are encouraged to volunteer in teams, supported by up to $1,500 per group for volunteer-related expenses. The company provides charitable funding to all of its Employee Network Groups so that they can invest in organizations that serve their communities. It holds annual drives for key causes such as hunger and back-to-school, and when disaster strikes, Palo Alto Networks supports those impacted, often with special matching (above $1,000). All new hires receive $25 in charitable rewards to help get them started on their philanthropic journey. Finally, the company collects employee e-waste, which is donated to its partners at Human-I-T to help communities in need.
9. CarMax
Caring for its communities is an important part of CarMax’s culture and a pillar of its “put people first” value. The company gives back because it’s the right thing to do and because it’s important to its associates. CarMax helps associates give back by matching their donations of time and money, coordinating volunteer opportunities, and fostering a culture of giving. Together, CarMax and The CarMax Foundation have invested $100 million in support of causes important to its associates. CarMax also has ongoing and long-term partnerships with several national nonprofits, including KABOOM!, Points of Light, The Mission Continues, and Good 360.
Here at The Muse, we partner with a lot of great companies to bring you insider looks at their offices and awesome job listings. These employers pay us to be featured on the site, but these Muse-worthy brands made this list not just because they want to be included, but because their culture, policies, and employee feedback showed us that they deserve to be.
Think your company should be on a list like this? Learn more and get in touch!