All Community created Funds

My favorite charity is the Animal Care Society Cork, it will be yours too should you ever get around to visit, their love and dedication to the animals is second to none. Besides "just" running a lot of the daily operation, Albert Kleyn (Director of the ACS) has envisioned many other projects that he'd like to run to improve animal lives all across the county and country. One of those projects was to gift sets of different sized Pet Oxygen Masks to the Cork Fire Brigade so that animals that were exposed to smoke during fires could be adequately treated. As with most charity projects, the biggest issue was funding. Although this one could actually be kick-started with an affordable amount, so I did just that in late 2020 and some of those masks were delivered and handed over in February 2021 https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40218257.html County Cork and Ireland are a lot bigger and Fire Brigades around the County need a lot more kits than what I alone (and the VMware matching) could possibly afford. If you think this is worthy and esp. if you are or have family belonging to the ~ 60% of Irish households with pets, please donate. Thank you! Valentin P.S. If you aren't from Ireland / Cork, here is how you can set up something similar for your community: There might already be a charity close to you! Originally, the ACS would have sourced the masks from https://www.smokeypaws.co.uk/ which operates in the UK, due to the back then imminent brexit we decided to opt for a more local option thought. 1. Identify the need for the local Fire Brigade Ring your local Fire Station (non emergency number!) and ask them, they will be happy to let you know whether there is need and for how many. You should calculate with 1 set per car and maybe one additional reserve per station. 2. Find a local / general animal charity to work with that is registered and eligible on vmware.brightfunds.org and of course interested This is important because you want your contribution to be matched and it also distributes some of the organizational effort. The charity would buy the masks with the ear marked, donated funds. Make sure to donate directly to the charity and then match on brightfunds so that the directly donated money is available immediately. 3. Find a re-seller for the masks There might be more than one model but we used the Smiths Medical SKU "V7148 Family". https://www.smiths-medical.com/products/veterinary/rescue-and-resuscitation/recovery-oxygen-masks To find a local distributor, ask their regional customer service: https://www.smiths-medical.com/customer-support/contact-us 4. Negotiate with the distributor It doesn't hurt to ask! Depending on how many kits you are buying (+ if the charity fronts the matched amount since it can take ~ half a year for that to be transferred), the re-seller might be willing to give a discount. Make sure to ask for the red carry bag as those are sometimes not included with the kit, you might also want to add a slip lead per pack. Also mention the purpose, that the masks will be procured by a charity and gifted to local fire stations. While most veterinarian resellers already operate on thin margins, they might not want to make (much) money on this. 4. Prepare the handover The charity might have some contacts here, maybe contact a local news paper and use that to generate additional funds to try to provide the wider County with mask sets :-).

This week has seen a devastating increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in India and our hearts go out to our colleagues there. We know that thoughts are good, but action is much better, so we’re launching a fundraiser to support relief efforts in India. Zip will match all employee donations to the fundraiser. We encourage you all to get behind it.

PEAK6 HELPS INDIA India’s second wave of COVID-19 has hit—claiming 1 death every 5 minutes. Hospitals are dreadfully full while oxygen and supplies are running extremely low. People are even dying in lines as they wait to see doctors. So far, less than 10% of its population have had the first dose of the vaccine and less than 2% are fully vaccinated. (Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56907007). Moreover, due to Covid restrictions and lockdowns, having access to food and water has also been a challenge for some. Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Sewa International has started ‘Help India Defeat COVID-19’ Campaign and is seeking your support.

Brazil is battling a devastating wave of COVID-19 infections as a result of both government mishandling of the crisis and the existence of a highly-infectious variant of the virus first detected in the country. The 2021 Brazil COVID-19 Recovery Fund is composed of pre-vetted nonprofits based in the United States providing emergency response in Brazil. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. Our Fund approach is informed by expert and local recommendations based on up to date information from disaster philanthropy and nongovernmental organization networks, such as the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic and widespread impact, the composition of the nonprofits in this Fund will evolve. Generally this fund will support healthcare, medical needs, vulnerable populations, and essential services. (Photo: Gilnature / Getty Images)

In recognition of celebrating a life milestone (turning 60!), I'm creating a giving fund to leverage Cisco's donation matching offer and raise money for Face-to-Face, for an organization where I focus my volunteer time and charitable giving.

On April 22nd, India recorded the highest daily rate of infections in the world. India is faced with a deadly second wave of COVID-19. We can help. The 2021 COVID-19 Phase2 - Aid India Fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits based in the United States and India providing emergency response in India. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. Our fund is crafted in consultation with Intuitive's India team and our local PAN Asian Intuitive Community ERG with a focus on the desperate shortage of oxygen as well as support for acutely vulnerable populations and providing supplies for medical personnel. Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic, and it's widespread impact, the composition of the nonprofits in this Fund will evolve as the needs change.

Working Dogs For Vets Mission is to provide service dogs and training to disabled heroes in need, empowering them as they return to civilian life with a new found independence; reducing suicide and overcrowding in animal shelters.

The current wave of COVID-19 cases in India is overwhelming an already strained healthcare system. This, compounded with a year of livelihood disruption is hitting poor, underprivileged communities very hard. Please donate to this fundraiser so we can empower our grassroots-level project partners to help save lives in underprivileged communities through vital healthcare and livelihood assistance. One such organization is Asha project partner Mukti (https://ashanet.org/project/?pid=671) which requires funding to purchase medicine and hygiene kits, pulse oximeter kits, and oxygen concentrators. To donate directly via the Asha website, please visit: https://donate.ashanet.org/?e=1345 This page will be updated at regular intervals. Learn more about Asha for Education's previous COVID-19 Relief Efforts here. https://ashanet.org/join-us/covid-19-relief-fundraiser/

India has been hit really badly with a second wave of coronavirus. There is acute shortage of oxygen, medical supplies and hospital beds. Next 2 months are especially going to be bad stretching the already fragile infrastructure. Next 2 months, 500,000 Indian deaths are projected. AID-India works directly with the local organizations in India. 100% of your funds will go directly to the organizations.

Service Provider Edge BU Fund (thru Akshay Patra NGO) to deliver meals to those in need due to resurgence of COVID in India. $49,000 raised against goal of $50,000 in the past week. Thanks to all your generosity. Akshay Patra serves meals daily to families impacted by COVID. https://apusa.givingfuel.com/covid-19-relief-fund

As of April 24, 2021 - India has registered close to 350,000 daily detections and nearly 2800 daily deaths. AID has a presence in more than 20 states of India, 35+ US chapters, and thousands of volunteers who continuously volunteer and provide support. Your support will help provide relief across India. The support will reach from the Rann of Kutch to the Gangetic planes and from the Himalayas to the coastal Andhra. Even to North East India. We are collaborating with National Rural Health Mission, Maharashtra, to help them procure Oxygen Generation Plants and Concentrators. This time, the COVID 19 virus has spread to remote locations in India, and apart from hunger-related issues, we have the additional health care calamity. There is a shortage of Oxygen generation plants and Oxygen Concentrators. So on top of our efforts to procure these facilities, it is essential to protect the most vulnerable population in India. Our immediate task is to ensure: 1) Healthcare helplines across India 2) Reduce misinformation and awareness campaigns across India, especially the importance of Vaccination 3) Ration Kit for the Needy 4) PPE Kit distribution to the front line health care workers and supporters 5) Support to another anticipated wave of migrant workers across India 6) Fair access to Oxygen supplies and medication 7) Oxygen concentrators procurement and purchase to the most vulnerable locations 8) Small Oxygen generation plants at public hospitals 9) Plasma donation appeal and drive 10) Long-term livelihood projects to support income generation for vulnerable populations 11) Advocacy with the village level Panchayats, Corporations, and local government. We will update more as we get more information from the ground.

Every year in May, Mental Health Month provides a dedicated time to raise awareness about the realities of individuals living with mental illness and ways to manage and achieve mental wellness.The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. In November 2020, the CDC reported that 44% of Americans were coping with either depression or anxiety. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles -- because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. Bright Funds has established the 2021 Mental Health Awareness Month Fund composed of pre-vetted nonprofits committed to raising mental health awareness. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund, you will support a group of nonprofits that are providing direct services, doing research, and educating in order to challenge myths, biases, and discrimination about what mental health is - and what it is not.

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 which had been primarily constructed by Chinese immigrants. While discrimination has been present since then, the violence and hate toward the AAPI community has only escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bright Funds has established the 2021 AAPI Heritage Month Fund, composed of highly-rated Asian American nonprofits focused on civil rights, housing rights, legal representation, education, and cultural preservation and expression, all to amplify the community’s voice. Through a single tax-deductible donation to the Fund you will support a group of nonprofits that are working to eliminate discrimination and lift the voices of the AAPI community.

Home of Cisco's UKI Veterans (VETS) ERO fund raising mission to support charities around the UK and Ireland dedicated to helping the health and wellbeing of serving and retired personnel from our Armed Forces.

India is experiencing a catastrophic second wave of COVID-19, consistently surpassing its own daily records of infection rates and deaths. While Delhi has been hit the hardest, the virus has rapidly traveled to smaller cities and towns that are struggling. The situation in India is devastating, and it poses a global risk -- experts warn that the more the virus spreads, the more chances it has to mutate and create variants that could eventually resist current vaccines in circulation, threatening to undermine other countries' progress in containing the pandemic. The 2021 India COVID-19 Recovery Fund is composed of pre-vetted nonprofits based in the United States providing emergency response in India. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. Our Fund approach is informed by expert and local recommendations based on up to date information from disaster philanthropy and nongovernmental organization networks, such as the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Given the ever-changing nature of this pandemic and widespread impact, the composition of the nonprofits in this Fund will evolve. Generally this fund will support healthcare, medical needs, vulnerable populations, and essential services. (Photo: Shivamjoker / Tumisu)

Taking part in the Great May Escape in support of the The Poppy Factory’s mission is to help veterans with health conditions on their journey into employment and to continue supporting them whatever challenges they may face.

LETS CHANGE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD A HATCH A TIME!

Advancing social justice in AAPI communities

On June 19, 1865 -- a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued -- news of the end of slavery finally reached Texas. Since then, Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, has become a time to recognize and celebrate the culture, contributions, and achievements of African Americans. Early celebrations often served a dual purpose as political rallies to give voting instructions to newly freed enslaved peoples. However, in the early 20th century, economic and political forces led to a decline in Juneteenth celebrations due to state laws and amendments being passed that disenfranchised Black people and excluded them from voting, such as the Jim Crow laws. The Civil Rights Movement re-invigorated the holiday. Last year, in the midst of several high-profile deaths of Black men at the hands of police, Juneteenth started to become more widely known and its significance particularly important. Systemic racism continues to plague the United States, and the struggle for true Black liberation continues to this day. This Juneteenth, join us in supporting organizations that continue to work on dismantling white supremacy and eliminating systemic racism. The 2021 Juneteenth Fund is composed of nonprofits with missions that address these complex, pervasive relics of oppression through education, policy, advocacy, and access to quality healthcare and other direct services.

In the summer of 1969, police raided a gay bar in New York City; the riots that ensued were a major turning point for the fight for gay rights in the United States. Since June 1970, LGBTQ+ folks, along with activists, advocates, and allies have continued to gather together in June to march with Pride. While there are still many obstacles the LGBTQ+ community faces, significant progress has been made over the past few decades. The 2021 Pride Fund supports organizations that promote the safety and advance the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, direct services, health accessibility, education, legal representation, and public policy changes. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives working to ensure acceptance, equity, and justice for all.

MongoDB employees are coming together to help end AIDS. That goal is within reach, but will only happen if organizations around the world contribute and collaborate. Our goal is for everyone at MongoDB to participate in this fundraising event to show our support for ending AIDS and because every dollar really does make a difference. Further your support by participating in this year's virtual AIDS walks! AIDS Walk New York: https://ny.aidswalk.net/ AIDS Walk San Francisco: https://sf.aidswalk.net/ AIDS Walk Austin: https://www.aidswalk.net/austin

Canadian Partner Organization is exercising while raising funds for the Food Banks Canada.

Help Raise Money in Honor Of Chef Billy in Support of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Please donate to Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome https://www.bancoalimentar.pt), the Food Bank in Portugal. However small your contribution might be, it still puts food in the hands of families. I pledge to walk at least 100km in 5 days to make it to the small city of Fatima, along one of the main routes, the Tagus route https://caminhosdefatima.org/en/ and joining millions of pilgrims visiting each year. During the pandemic I have realised how fortunate many of us are. Many people are dying or getting sick, mental health issues, domestic violence, racial abuse, substance abuse, you name it. We have all suffered in different ways and our economies have all taken a hit with many people losing their jobs, people struggling to put food on the table and afford the everyday necessities in life. It’s time for us to give something back, now more than ever and it's never too late! I am so lucky to work for a company that supports corporate social responsibility by giving us time off to support community causes but also matches Cisco employee donations. Those who can should help out, however small our contribution might be, that still goes a long way. Many people in our neighborhoods not only can't pay their mortgage or their rent but also can't pay their bills or buy enough food. In an ever more unequal world we can start by helping our communities. Please join me in donating towards the Portuguese Food Bank (Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome https://www.bancoalimentar.pt/), your help will make a difference. During the pandemic they received in excess of 80,000 requests for help, many of which from people who never asked for help before  https://sicnoticias.pt/especiais/coronavirus/2021-03-23-Banco-Alimentar-e-Caritas-preocupados-com-os-efeitos-do-fim-das-moratorias-bancarias-4cb815ba Poverty has reached new levels by also dragging the middle class into it. Here just one of many stories and article that can be easily found online https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-portugal-algarve/food-bank-charities-busy-in-algarve-as-pandemic-ravages-portugal-tourism-idUSKBN2BP0KH I am not trained at all and I have never done this before. I gained 10kg+ during the pandemic and my back is in bits but starting on May 17th I pledge to walk at least 100km in 5 days to make it to Fatima. I will post at least one picture per day on LinkedIn with the tracking. Please donate here on BrightFund so that your donation can be matched by Cisco. Please also help me sharing this initiative 1) Internally within your team and organization in Cisco https://cisco.brightfunds.org/funds/please-donate-to-banco-alimentar-contra-a-fome-the-food-bank-in-portugal/edit 2) Externally within your network and on social media using this link gf.me/u/zqfmg9 (for donors external to Cisco) and through LInkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6790653627015970816/ Thank you in advance for your help and God bless