Salesforce's 1-1-1 Model: Empowering Employees to Create Lasting Change
In the bustling corridors of Salesforce Tower in New York City, the usual hum of keyboards and meetings gave way to children's laughter as elementary school kids from PS 119 in the Bronx assembled Build-a-Bear toys, embodying Salesforce's commitment to employee-driven philanthropy[0][3].
The Power of the 1-1-1 Philanthropic Model
Salesforce's pioneering 1-1-1 model—pledging 1% of equity, 1% of employee time, and 1% of product to nonprofits—has embedded giving into the company's DNA since its founding over 25 years ago. This approach has inspired more than 19,000 companies to join the Pledge 1% movement, creating a global ripple effect[3][6]. Employees have collectively logged 10 million volunteer hours, from environmental work in Switzerland to digital inclusion in India, amplified by $200 million in matched donations through the Employee Giving Program[3].
Key Programs Driving Employee Impact
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO): Employees receive seven paid days annually to volunteer on causes they choose, including skills-based support like virtual mentoring or technical expertise for nonprofits. This has delivered 728,000 hours of pro bono work valued at $128 million[1][2][3].
- Employee-Inspired Giving: Personal donations are matched up to $10,000 per employee yearly, with additional grants for volunteering milestones. This doubles individual impact and fosters a culture where 77% of employees feel more connected to company values[1][2][3].
Recent highlights include recognition at the Karma Summit Asia 2025 in Bengaluru, where Salesforce was honored for corporate volunteering excellence. Sanket Atal, Managing Director for India and South Asia, noted: "The true strength of volunteering lies in its ability to unite people behind a common purpose"[1].
Real-World Stories: From Bronx Classrooms to Malawi Wells
Beyond numbers, Salesforce employees are changemakers. In New York, they hosted Bronx schoolchildren for holiday joy[0]. In Malawi, volunteers partnered with WASH for Life, matching $500 donations to $1,000 and securing grants for orphanage projects, emphasizing a "Ripple Effect" of sustained inspiration[4]. At Giving Tuesday 2025 events, employees worldwide amplified global impact[5].
Surveys show 88% of participants gain deeper purpose from these programs, proving businesses can drive societal change[3]. As an AI and Salesforce expert, this model integrates seamlessly with tools like Salesforce Flow for nonprofit automation—reducing admin by 60% and enabling focus on mission-critical work[7].
A Blueprint for Business with Purpose
Salesforce proves philanthropy scales when employee-led: from 10 million hours to global movements. This isn't charity—it's a sustained way of life embedding impact into business[1][3]. For leaders eyeing AI-enhanced CRM for nonprofits, Salesforce's ecosystem offers philanthropic licenses and automation to multiply every effort[7].
Join the movement: Explore VTO, match gifts, or pledge 1% today.