Empowering Change: Mission Edge and Qualcomm's San Diego Employee Giving Committee
Empowering Change: Mission Edge and Qualcomm's San Diego Employee Giving Committee
Picture this: You’ve had a long day at work. Happy hour is on the horizon and today your company is doing something special. You and a coworker head over to the corporate lecture hall, but not for a meeting – today, you are heading over to learn about the local nonprofit organizations that your company will be supporting this year. Then, you get connected to a new nonprofit that has volunteer opportunities for you to get involved with.
Not bad for a Thursday!
That’s exactly what Mission Edge and Qualcomm have been doing for four years at the San Diego Employee Giving Committee Showcase and Volunteer Fair. And we have another one coming up in Spring of 2024.
With this program, San Diego-based Qualcomm employees nominate local San Diego nonprofit organizations they are passionate about to receive funding from Qualcomm.
Then, a committee of employees gather to evaluate the nominations and select the final ten organizations to support. This program distributes $120,000 of funding amongst these ten organizations and invites them on campus to share about their work at a live event.
With all of the effort put in to execute this program (about a 6 month timeline with more than 20 individual stakeholders involved in the planning process), we do our best to maximize the impact of this corporate social responsibility programming for everyone.
The Heart of the Program - Employee Engagement
When Qualcomm started working with us more than four years ago, they wanted to empower their employees to be change-makers in the San Diego community. By creating the San Diego Employee Giving Committee Program, their employees can nominate local nonprofit organizations close to their hearts – and Qualcomm puts the power of giving back into the hands of those who know their community best.
In addition, we also call for employees to be on the selection committee. Employees from all levels of the company are invited to join. The final selection committee has a diverse cross section of employees from different departments, levels, and backgrounds to help steer the funding by inviting varying voices to the table.
This approach not only maximizes employee engagement but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among Qualcomm's workforce. It's no longer just about writing a check; it's about being actively involved in the change they want to see in San Diego.
Letting our Partners Soar
Mission Edge came alongside Qualcomm to advocate for nonprofits and provide Qualcomm’s employees with the information they needed to make selection decisions.
Because Mission Edge understands both corporate and nonprofit cultures, we were able to create a CSR program that truly meets the needs of local nonprofits, and helped Qualcomm select partners that fit within the giving goals of the program
Building Bridges with the Community - Inviting Nonprofits on Campus
CSR programming should not be confined within the walls of corporations. It should extend its reach into the community, forging connections, and creating a ripple effect of change. The San Diego Employee Giving Committee Showcase goes above and beyond by organizing a vibrant live event that not only celebrates the selected nonprofit organizations but also acts as a catalyst for greater community engagement.
Ever since they leaned on us to help with CSR programming, Qualcomm has been able to:
Give employees a voice in the giving process.
Connect Qualcomm to the San Diego community.
Provide full-service program management, while keeping the nonprofits’ needs in mind.
This live event is not just a stage for Qualcomm to present checks to the chosen nonprofits; it's a platform for these organizations to share their stories, their missions, and their dreams with a wider audience.
It's a moment of unity, where corporate and community worlds converge for the greater good.
But it doesn't stop there. The program has recently taken a step further by adding a volunteer fair to the live event. This thoughtful addition invites nonprofit organizations to come onto the Qualcomm campus and promote their volunteer opportunities. This demonstrates that CSR programs can be employee-driven, streamlined to empower nonprofits, and actively involve the community.
As we celebrate this remarkable partnership, we are reminded that real change begins with individuals who are passionate, guided by clear instructions, and connected through shared experiences.
Together, Mission Edge and Qualcomm have shown that when hearts and minds come together, the impact is boundless.
This year, Qualcomm was proud to award the following organizations $12,000 each.
Check out their websites to learn more about their work, and if you’re interested in CSR programming for your organization, schedule a call with Mission Edge!
ArtReach Making a positive impact through engaging youth in the transformative power of art.
Blue Dot Education Designing and implementing community-centered social and environmental justice projects that bring authentic, real-world learning to underserved people.
Code With Her Providing coding and technology workshops that unite the K-12 student community with real-world tech industry concepts.
Kathy’s Legacy Serving children who have been orphaned by the devastating murder of a parent due to domestic violence in San Diego county.
Last Chance at Life, All Breed Animal Rescue and Adoptions Working to save, nurture and find homes for animals facing euthanasia for medical needs or lack of space at overcrowded shelters.
Mama’s Kitchen Providing medically tailored meals and nutrition education to critically ill San Diego residents.
My Girlfriend’s Closet Working to collect, sort and distribute clothing, shoes and accessories to foster, homeless, and economically disadvantaged young women ages 13-22.
Ocean Connectors Providing class presentations, educational lessons and coastal field trips yearly to 10,000 students in San Diego and Mexico.
Quartet Nouveau and Chamber Music Institute Performing public concerts, educational outreach concerts, and hosting an educational program for string students called Quartet Lab.
Wesley House Student Residence, Inc. Removing barriers to higher education experienced by low-income and system-impacted individuals, especially foster youth, formerly incarcerated, and homeless.
