Article
Celebrating Giving Tuesday 2024 with Smartsheet ERGs
December 3, 2024
For this year’s Giving Tuesday, Smartsheet continues to demonstrate its commitment to community impact and inclusivity through employee-led charitable giving. Each year, Smartsheet Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) carefully select nonprofits that align with their values and support the communities they represent.
In 2024, we’re proud to introduce our newest ERG, Neurodiverse at Smartsheet, reflecting our commitment to supporting neurodiversity in our workforce alongside our DEI mission to anti-racism and eliminating sexism. Here are the nonprofits our ERGs have selected this year:
Chosen by the Asian Pacific Islanders ERG: Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) offers a range of services, including mental health, job training, and youth programs, to support and empower the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Their vision is to promote social justice and help communities achieve wellness and self-sufficiency.
“I first connected with ACRS through the Smartsheet API ERG. Volunteering with them on projects like packing essential Asian pantry items for distribution and supporting their Walk for Rice event gave me a firsthand look at the meaningful impact they have on API communities. When it came time to choose an organization to support, ACRS was the clear choice for me. I’m thrilled that we can contribute to their mission of advancing equity, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for the future.” - Lekshmi Unnithan, Sr. Product Marketing Manager II
Chosen by the Black at Smartsheet ERG: Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation
Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation provides mentorship, STEM education, and career awareness to young Black girls, aiming to increase the number of Black women in STEM fields. Their vision is to foster a world where Black girls are empowered to pursue and succeed in engineering and technology careers.
Chosen by the Hispanic/LatinX ERG: Hispanic Scholarship Consortium
Hispanic Scholarship Consortium aims to empower Hispanic families with knowledge and resources to successfully complete higher education. They envision a future where all Hispanic students have access to higher education and the necessary tools to excel in school and beyond.
Chosen by the Military at Smartsheet ERG: Stop Soldier Suicide
Stop Soldier Suicide is dedicated to reducing the military suicide rate by connecting service members, veterans, and their families with personalized care and resources. They aim to provide critical support to those at risk and are committed to lowering military suicide rates through data-driven intervention.
"As a U.S. Navy Veteran, I have seen firsthand the challenges that service members face both during and after their military careers. Through my work with the Military ERG at Smartsheet and my personal journey with PTSD, I understand the importance of mental health resources and the support systems that can make a difference in veterans' lives. Stop Soldier Suicide is an organization that addresses a critical need within the veteran community and aligns with my passion for veteran support, resilience-building, and the prevention of veteran suicide." - Michael Kingsbury, Commercial Technical Solutions Engineer
Chosen by the Neurodiverse at Smartsheet ERG: United Brain Foundation
The United Brain Association funds research and provides education about brain disorders, aiming to advance understanding and improve treatments. Their vision is to foster hope by supporting scientific breakthroughs and raising awareness about brain health.
“The United Brain Association stood out to me because they fund innovative, cross-disciplinary research on various neurological and mental health conditions and provide direct support and educational resources for families. They focus on neurodiversity across all life stages, combat stigma, and advocate for policy change, ensuring that donations have a significant and lasting impact on research, advocacy, and support for individuals with neurological differences.” - Kamilla Rymwid, Account Executive, Expansion
Chosen by the Parents & Caregivers ERG: Youngcare
Youngcare, based in Australia, is committed to empowering young people with high-care needs to live with freedom, dignity, and choice. The organization advocates for the creation of age-appropriate care environments and works to provide tailored housing solutions, financial support, and community awareness programs that ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for young Australians requiring specialized care.
Chosen by the Rainbow Collab (LGBTQIA+) ERG: Point of Pride
Point of Pride provides financial aid and resources to transgender and non-binary individuals globally, aiming to empower and uplift them through gender-affirming support. Their programs include access to surgeries, chest binders, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) care, focusing on promoting health, confidence, and belonging in the trans community.
"Organizations like Point of Pride are doing the work to help people gain access to the care they need and to live the life they deserve. Since incorporating, Point of Pride has awarded 2.75m in direct financial assistance and donated 22,000+ gender-affirming garments to trans youth and adults in all 50 states and 126 countries around the world. The Rainbow Collab ERG is proud to amplify the work of Point of Pride this Season of Giving and to donate our portion of Smartsheet funding to advance their work." - Mary Ashley Goding, Manager, Talent Operations
Chosen by the Women and Gender Minorities ERG: Women of Tomorrow
Women of Tomorrow mentors and inspires at-risk young women to reach their full potential through education, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities. Their vision is to break the cycle of poverty for these young women, empowering them to become strong leaders and contributors to society.
“The mentorship experience with Women of Tomorrow has been a truly transformative experience. It is a very joyful and heart-filling experience to be able to directly impact so many young women, help provide them with guidance and hope, and see the light and excitement in their eyes. Bozhena feels truly blessed to be a part of this organization and is very excited that Smartsheet is able to help support all the wonderful work being done to empower young women in South Florida.” - Bozhena Ryshchak, Sr. Manager, Consulting