We Are Citizen Philanthropists - Starting 2021 on a Bright Note
At the beginning of 2020, we set the intention to inspire others to take action by sharing stories of the many ways VMware Citizen Philanthropists choose to support their communities every day. At the time, we had no idea the extent of the twists and turns the year would bring. As 2020 progressed, VMware people adapted their community support; leaning into virtual Service Learning opportunities, supporting healthcare workers with PPE, and adapting to touch-free food deliveries. VMware people were also steadfast in their ongoing community support, via pro bono Service Learning, Giving Networks, teaching, and fundraising for social justice.
In addition to these year-round programs, the VMware Foundation was proud to continue our tradition of a year-end giving initiative, where every full-time employee was able to direct $50 from VMware to the nonprofit of their choice. In doing so, we collectively illuminated a brighter world for our communities. After a difficult, year we were reminded that a single star can be a beacon of hope, and a sky full can illuminate the world. Each gift we give – our time, talent, donations, recognition – creates a point of light. That light becomes part of a constellation of gratitude. Together, they form a galaxy.
Choosing from the thousands of nonprofit organizations eligible for the program, over 24,000 VMware employees directed a donation to their nonprofits of choice in December. We reached more than 7,400 individual nonprofits around the world with these donations, demonstrating the breadth and variety of VMware people’s interests, which Citizen Philanthropy enables us to support and amplify.
As part of this initiative, we also emphasized gratitude and recognition as a form of giving, and more than 5,000 e-cards were sent among our colleagues, with notes of thanks and appreciation to teammates. To extend the ripple effects of gratitude beyond the internal VMware community, 1,300 people participated in an at-home activity where they could print and color a thank you card to share with family and friends.
Moving into 2021, we feel confident knowing we are more interconnected than ever, under the same illuminated sky. As we continue to navigate the year ahead together, our galaxy of gratitude lightens and fuels us.
Read more stories about VMware’s Citizen Philanthropists here.
