It’s hard to say you’re a values-driven company unless you dedicate time and resources to advancing those values outside of your four walls. That’s why Sprout team members gather together each year to raise money for causes and charities we care deeply about. During this week, we leverage our privilege and resources to support, engage with and improve the communities in which we live. What started as a long-standing tradition in our Seattle office has now spread to our entire team, from Seattle to Singapore, Chicago to Colorado and New York City to India. This year, over 200 Sprout employees dedicated their time to raise funds and engage in some friendly competition during this week of charitable giving.

Participating team members were broken out into 16 teams, one for each organization we were supporting. Charities included organizations that provide access to healthcare, fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, address the homelessness epidemic, increase educational opportunities for underrepresented communities and so much more. What makes this year especially notable is the number of international organizations we’ve added to our roster, giving our international and remote team members a closer-to-home way to join in.

Philanthropy Week is first and foremost about giving back—but with a Sprout twist! Each day was centered around a theme and included activities such as candy grams, a silent auction, a lunch buy-back and a Sprout swag and service day. This year we piloted a new theme called “Why my charity?” where we asked team members to share why their charities were important to them on social.

“We only have our one Earth. We have to take care of it through sustainable practices and policies. As much as we like to make sustainable decisions in our day-to-day life, the most effective way of protecting our Earth from the climate crisis is through government regulations and policy. EESI is a non-profit that focuses on these measures by advancing policies in Washington, D.C. that promote sustainability.” – Team Environmental and Energy Study Institute 

“Mary’s Place is truly special. Love is at the center of everything they do. They are committed to providing a space where everyone is welcomed, respected and loved for who they are. One of the many things they do is provide assessment and treatment for more than 1,000 medical conditions each year. They do so under the direction of a pediatrician, part-time nurses and many health professional volunteers.” – Team Mary’s Place

“Back on My Feet develops skills through running that create life long habits. It’s something free and repeatable that allows folks to see gains every time they do it. I love that they encourage being active and the community of support that comes with the daily/weekly meets!” – Team Back on My Feet

We also dedicated a day for our team members to sport their Sprout swag while working on service projects in the community and throughout our office. Teams participated in a one-hour service activity including cleaning up the streets of Chicago, writing cards for kids in the hospital and collecting non-perishable items to donate to a food pantry. To see what we’ve been up to, take a look at the #TeamSprout hashtag.

In total, our team raised $18,568 for these incredible organizations, including a $3,000 bonus from Sprout!

It takes all of Sprout to pull off a massive fundraising event like this and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing team members who led the charge. I’d like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to our Philanthropy Week committee who served as team captains and helped organize our efforts this year. Lastly, a special congratulations to our top three teams:

  1. Black Girls Code
  2. Planned Parenthood 
  3. Howard Brown Health

Read on to learn more about the organizations our team supported this year, and head on over to our careers page to learn about opportunities for you to join us for Philanthropy Week 2020.

Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources.

Black Girls Code introduces computer coding lessons to young girls from underrepresented backgrounds through community outreach, workshops and after school programs.

BeLong To is a Dublin-based organization supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people in Ireland.

Chicago Scholars is a Chicago-based organization that selects, trains and mentors academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities to complete college and become the next generation of leaders.

Code Platoon transforms dedicated veterans and military spouses into skilled software developers through a world-class training program.

Environmental and Energy Study Institute is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a new, low-emissions economy based on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Howard Brown Health Howard Brown Health exists to eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.

International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst crises, helping refugees to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

Mary’s Place is a Seattle-based organization that provides safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children and families on their journey out of homelessness.

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.

Planned Parenthood is a global organization that delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education and information to millions of people worldwide.

re:work Training is a Chicago-based program working to reshape hiring trends for underserved communities by providing workforce training.

Smile Foundation is an India-based NGO that empowers underprivileged children and women through relevant education, innovative healthcare and market-focused livelihood programs.

St. Jude Children’s Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Threshold is a Dublin-based charity whose aim is to secure a right to housing, particularly for households experiencing the problems of poverty and exclusion.

Therapy Dogs International is a volunteer organization dedicated to the regulation, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.