How we bring our giving strategy to life
As the Head of Community Impact at Contentful, I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to focus on the who, what, when, where, and why of giving. With global conflict, climate change, and political division impacting our lives, it is crucial for us to carefully consider how we engage with our communities to create real impact and lasting partnerships, rather than just engaging in sporadic acts of giving.
Fortunately, my role comes with solid values and pillars that serve as the foundation for our programs. These core values align with those of the company and include being humble, prioritizing the customer, fostering a growth mindset, and working together. These pillars drive our community impact programs, guiding us to implement our giving strategy through volunteerism, pro bono product offerings, and climate action initiatives.
Let me take you on a journey into our day-to-day giving strategy. By understanding how Contentful grounds its impact and extends the spirit of giving beyond a single event, you can also gain insights into the social impact work we proudly support.
Be humble
At the heart of our community impact strategy lies the core value of humility. Approaching giving with humility means putting aside our egos and recognizing our partners as experts in their field. Instead of dictating what we offer, we ask, “How can we help?” This approach motivates us to seek deeper impact and genuine partnerships.
One powerful example of this value in action was our participation in a recruiting event organized by Uhlala in Berlin for LGBTQ+ job seekers. Beyond simply collecting CVs for potential hiring, we chose to support AidsHilfe, an organization aiding those affected by HIV/AIDS. For every CV collected, we made a donation to AidsHilfe. Additionally, we volunteered at AidsHilfe to help paint their center, further enhancing our impact.
Start with the customer and work backwards
Contentful has provided over $2.5 million worth of free product to more than 250 nonprofit pro bono customers. To enhance the value we offer these customers, we launched an impact customer pilot program. This initiative aims to ensure that nonprofits are utilizing Contentful to meet their specific needs and scale their impact efficiently.
Through tailored offerings and collaboration with nonprofits like Project N95, CaringBridge, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and Refugee Help, we have helped organizations optimize their use of Contentful, enabling them to deliver their services effectively.
Embody a growth mindset
Our growth mindset centers around our climate strategy. This year, we acquired carbon accounting software to formalize our climate journey. This tool allows us to assess our emissions, develop a climate action plan based on data, and support frontline climate organizations in their critical work.
By offering our services to climate and biodiversity nonprofits like the Naturalis BioDiversity Center, Family Forest Carbon Program, and Leaders for Climate Action, we aim to assist them in delivering their content effectively and furthering their climate-saving initiatives.
Strive together
Our commitment to collaboration and unity is exemplified through our volunteer time-off and the value of Strive Together. This value not only strengthens our internal cohesion but also transforms communities when extended externally.
This year, Contentful employees have volunteered over 1,300 hours across various initiatives, ranging from park cleanups to mentoring programs. By working together outside of the office, we not only make a positive impact on communities but also undergo personal transformation.
Supporting communities all year round
At Contentful, we believe in a tailored approach to giving that extends beyond a single day. We understand that each community and organization has unique needs, and every individual has distinctive talents to offer.
If you’re looking to make a difference today, consider supporting any of the nonprofits mentioned in this article through donations, volunteering, or social media acknowledgment. For nonprofits interested in leveraging Contentful to further their social mission, reach out to impact@contentful.com to explore our pro bono offerings.
As we strive to give back in collaboration throughout the year, let us use this day to elevate the organizations at the forefront of social impact, recognize our role in communities, and harness our collective power for a brighter future.