In collaboration with Build-A-Bear Foundation and First Book, employees assemble more than 2,500 bears and distribute books for classrooms in five U.S. cities
Together with employees, Salesforce has contributed more than $16M in corporate matching donations so far this year
At Salesforce, giving back isn’t just a company initiative. It’s woven into the company’s identity. Guided by its values and powered by a global community of employees, customers, and partners, the company has a long-standing commitment to driving meaningful change in the communities where it operates.
This Giving Tuesday, that commitment comes to life through coordinated acts of service across the Salesforce ecosystem.
Giving back is core to who we are at Salesforce, and Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder that small acts of service can create meaningful change.
Molly Q. Ford, VP, Talent Connection & Engagement, Salesforce
Employees spark a global giving movement
Salesforce has fostered a culture where employees apply their skills and resources to causes ranging from education and youth development to human services and environmental stewardship — contributing more than 10 million volunteer hours to date and more than $16 million in corporate matching donations this year alone.
For Giving Tuesday, teams around the world worked together to deliver joy to young learners and families. For example:
- United States: Employees at Salesforce Towers in San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis assembled 2,500+ Build-A-Bear furry friends and distributed 2,500 books with First Book — reaching 115 first and second grade classrooms in 19 schools across the country.
- Zurich: Volunteers packed donated toys for Petite Suisse to bring holiday cheer to children in need.
- Sydney: Employees assembled 192 care packs for children in long-term hospital care.
- India: Teams prepared and served meals to reduce hunger, support sustainable food initiatives, and volunteer directly with vulnerable communities.
Salesforce perspective: “Giving back is core to who we are at Salesforce, and Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder that small acts of service can create meaningful change. These moments of joy and connection remind us why service is such an essential part of our culture.” — Molly Q. Ford, VP, Talent Connection & Engagement, Salesforce
Partnering with customers to amplify impact
Salesforce’s impact is amplified through partnerships with mission-driven customers and organizations that share its commitment to community — like Build-A-Bear Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Build-A-Bear Workshop, and the national nonprofit First Book. Inside Salesforce’s U.S. offices, employees built and bundled more than 2,500 teddy bears with 2,500 high-quality books to give students both the practical tools and emotional encouragement that help build confidence as readers.
This collaboration reflects the unique strengths each organization brings: Salesforce’s deeply rooted culture of service; Build-A-Bear Foundation’s commitment to comfort, literacy, and emotional wellbeing; and First Book’s mission to increase educational equity. Together, they created a powerful example of what’s possible when purpose-driven partners unite on behalf of children and educators.
“Access to books and joyful learning experiences can change a child’s trajectory,” said Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book. “We’re proud to work with Salesforce and Build-A-Bear to ensure students receive resources that spark imagination, strengthen literacy, and help them feel supported by their broader community.”
“We are honored to further support our multiyear Foundation partner, First Book, with this special event and to collaborate with Salesforce in bringing joy and comfort to thousands of children,” said Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Seeing employees, students, and partners come together to create something so meaningful shows what’s possible when we continue our mission to add a little more heart to life.”
Building an ecosystem of giving
Since its founding, Salesforce has championed the idea that business is the greatest platform for change. The company pioneered the 1-1-1 model — committing 1% of equity, employee time, and products to support communities around the world. That innovation sparked Pledge 1%, a global movement of 19,000+ companies generating more than $3 billion in new philanthropy worldwide.
And today, more than 60,000 nonprofits worldwide run on Salesforce technology for free or at a steep discount, helping them raise more funds, streamline operations, and scale their impact.
Go deeper:
- Explore Salesforce’s 1-1-1 model in action
- Read more about Salesforce’s investments in healthcare and education
- Read more about Salesforce’s 10 million volunteer hour milestone
