Okta Helps Nonprofits Optimize Tech For Good
Okta Helps Nonprofits Optimize Tech For Good
Volunteers from Okta for Good recently completed collaborations with three Bay Area nonprofits to strengthen their operating capacity so the community organizations can emerge stronger from the pandemic and serve more people. Our new “Insights Report: Accelerate Social Justice in a Post-COVID World” provides project highlights and insights from Grant Partners and team members.
Earlier this year Full Circle Fund (FCF) interviewed and surveyed over 100 local nonprofits, funders, and others in the FCF community to learn more about how nonprofits are navigating the evolving challenges of the COVID pandemic and increased awareness of social justice issues. Those discussions led to the creation of a new funding initiative to help nonprofits Accelerate Social Justice in a Post-COVID World,
The Post-COVID initiative includes three focus areas:
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Economic Security Cohort support disrupted retail and service workers and minority-owned small businesses.
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Healthy Communities Cohort to help nonprofits working on solutions to entrenched challenges and the underlying systemic issues that are behind the disproportionately detrimental impact of COVID-19 on communities of color.
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Equitable Education Cohort to support nonprofits with digital transformation to build equitable education opportunities.
Last fall, Okta, the leading independent provider of identity for the enterprise, took a leadership role to serve as Corporate Partner for the Economic Security Cohort--and the first company in FCF history to sponsor three Grant Partners simultaneously. As part of the investment by Okta for Good, the company’s social impact arm, each nonprofit received a $15,000 grant along with a dedicated team of Okta employees, selected for each nonprofit project. In total, Okta for Good donated $450,000 in estimated value including pro bono volunteer time and project management by FCF.
The collaboration helped the nonprofit organizations develop new strategies, unlock growth opportunities, and scale current and new ways to ultimately fulfill their missions and serve more people. We look forward to building on the success of this program in using tech for good.
Introduction
This past year has been a catalyst for disruption and change for many people across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic halted our normal activities and changed the way we lived our lives daily. We also witnessed a revitalization of social justice movements that provided an opportunity to give a voice to under-represented communities. During this unprecedented time, Full Circle Fund (FCF) interviewed and surveyed over 100 local nonprofits, funders, and others in the FCF community. Their on-the-ground insights about community needs and opportunities highlight three critical strategic areas where the social sector needs support to continue to help those impacted by the pandemic. Those discussions led to the creation of a new funding initiative to help nonprofits Accelerate Social Justice in a Post-COVID World.
The Post-COVID initiative includes three focus areas:
- Economic Security Cohort
- Healthy Communities Cohort
- Equitable Education Cohort
Okta For Good
Last fall, Okta, the leading independent provider of identity for the enterprise, took a leadership role to serve as Corporate Partner for the Economic Security Cohort – and the first company in FCF history to sponsor three Grant Partners simultaneously. As part of the investment by Okta for Good, the company’s social impact arm, each nonprofit received a $15,000 grant along with a dedicated team of Okta employees, selected for each nonprofit project. In total, Okta for Good donated $450,000 in estimated value including pro bono volunteer time and project management by FCF.
The FCF-Okta teams worked with three Grant Partners to support:
● small business entrepreneurs navigating the higher cost operating structures to adapt to COVID-related restrictions or safety practices;
● individuals and families experiencing challenges in saving for financial independence; and
● retail, hospitality, and other service workers whose work hours were significantly reduced or eliminated due to the pandemic.
The collaboration helped the nonprofit organizations develop strategies, unlock growth opportunities, and scale current and new ways to ultimately fulfill their missions and serve more people. Upon completion of the capacity-building projects, Grant Partners and volunteer Members completed a survey. Feedback and project highlights are included in this report.
GRANT PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS:
FCF Impact on Nonprofit Capacity
To what extent do you agree with the following?
As a result of this program, my organization has increasedits capacity to fulfill its mission.
As a result of this program, I have formed new relationships that will help my organization succeed in its mission.
Has given me important professional and personal skills
Has resulted in the development of some deep and meaningful professional and/or personal relationships
Has resulted in the development of new professional and/or personal relationships
Has given me important professional and personal skills
reported that they have formed new relationships
reported that when considering their long-term career plans, the opportunity to engage in social impact activities as part of their professional role is important or very important
reported that they know how to apply their professional skills to support nonprofits
reported that they understand the needs of the Bay Area nonprofit sector compared to 33% before the program
reported that the amount of time they volunteer each year increased or substantially increased
reported that their participation in efforts to address community needs increased or substantially increased
reported that their ability to serve as a nonprofit board member, mentor, advisor, or volunteer increased or substantially increased