All Community created Funds

The latest IPCC report on climate change spells code red for our planet. Disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and drought are continuing to rise. There's no doubt that human impact is the main driver, but there is hope. People and organizations everywhere are working to reverse these impacts and preserve nature. And nature is resilient. Take Chernobyl, the site of a nuclear meltdown in 1986. Within 30 years, forests, marshes, fields and rivers reclaimed the land, reversing the effects of hundreds of years of human development. Diverse wildlife, including beaver, bison, birds, fish and more re-populated this no-man's land. Even more surprising, the wolf population in Chernobyl is seven times higher than nearby nature reserves. According to 1t.org, "Forests are an essential part of the solution to tackle climate change and biodiversity collapse. Forests make us healthier and more resilient; they filter air pollution and reduce heat islands in cities; and they can propel new drug discoveries to treat current and future diseases." For more on why forests are so critical, download the presentation "Why Forests Are Key to Solving Global Challenges Like Climate Change" -- https://www.slideshare.net/nekochan2000/why-forests-are-key-to-solving-challenges-like-climate-change In the words of David Attenborough, "A future with more forests is key to the resilience of our planet. If we choose to give forests time and space, they could re-clothe the earth with much of the rich and varied communities of animals and plants of which we have, so recently, robbed it." All of the nonprofits in this Fund are highly rated on Charity Navigator and Guidestar, and several are part of 1t.org's work to conserve, restore and grow one trillion trees by 2030. They include nonprofits working on these areas of forest conservation: 1. Conservation of U.S. forests 2. Conservation of forests across the globe, including critical rainforests 3. Forest conservation through carbon offsets 4. Legal protection for forests 5. Reforestation and support for indigenous people Read the blog to learn more about how the nonprofits were vetted - https://hello.brightfunds.org/blog/forests-for-the-earth-and-how-to-create-a-fund/

Reports show that 30% of girls from low-income families in India will never return after the closure of many schools in India, hindering all the progress made throughout the past decade. As a result, they're left vulnerable to abuse, have no access to education, and face period poverty. Asha's SV chapter is focusing on girl children through its projects invested in promoting hygiene and sanitation, promoting female rights, and providing vocational training. Some girl child-related projects we support include: Prayas Pratirodh Sansthan: this project provides education to tribal girls who have no access to education otherwise, while also acting as a bridge to enroll girls into formal schools. Door Step Schools: This project provides education to the children of slum dwellers, migrants/laborers, pavement dwellers, and other underprivileged families. As part of the curriculum, the school focuses and teaching girls about female health and hygiene which includes necessary information about the changes that occur during puberty. Fellowship Aheli Chowdhury: This project focuses on teaching girls of marginalized and minority communities employability skills such as reading and writing English, computer operations, and job readiness in order to help them secure a job and become financially independent. The project has also successfully helped place the girls they trained into excellent jobs. Be an agent of change and help us continue supporting projects such as these by considering a donation today!

As part of our Q’3 Community Giving Event and being that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it was fitting to participate in a donation drive to help make a significant impact for those children battling cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is a truly amazing hospital in Memphis that focuses on child cancer research, treating children with cancer and supporting the families of those affected. No child is denied care at St. Jude and no family ever receives a bill which is an impressive accomplishment and one that requires a great deal of fund raising and charitable contributions. With the dollar-for-dollar matching power of our VMware Foundation, we have a great ability to make a difference in the lives of the children and families that are fighting cancer.

Together we are one and together we can bring light to the dark. The current Afghanistan crisis is highlighting the downward spiral of humanity. Many are being denied basic human rights that the world's developed nations take for granted. Innocent children, women, & families are being oppressed, terrorized, & killed by their own countries extremist groups without a way out.

Tropical Storm Ida has brought catastrophic damage to Louisiana. RaisedBy.Us created the 2021 Tropical Storm Ida Relief Fund to support nonprofits providing short-term and long-term response and recovery efforts. Join us in donating to help the thousands of people affected.

In response to Hurricane Ida, which made landfall on Sunday August 29th 2021, Bright Funds has established the Hurricane Ida Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. This fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing disaster response in the region. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations’ initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. We have initially selected organizations that are on the ground assisting with immediate relief needs, including rescue efforts, medical assistance. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground. Photo Credit: Bryan McGowan

Running for Chicago Parks Foundation

In Q1 FY22, Commercial West's Area give back focus will be on Big Sky Bravery. Big Sky Bravery is an organization dedicated to providing post-deployment decompression programs in Montana’s restorative surroundings to members of our military’s active-duty special operations forces. These elite professionals protect our freedom and we'd love to show our gratitude by supporting this incredible organization.

Violence is escalating in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the presidential palace and seizing control over the country. The organizations in this fund are working to deliver aid to areas in conflict and support displaced people in Kabul. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.

Afghanistan needs your help in this time of desperate need. The recent devastating escalation of violence in Kabul and in the northeast regions has forced families to flee their homes in desperate search of safety. The fighting and devastation is spreading like wildfire forcing women, children and families to abandon their homes and possessions. Prior to the recent outbreak of hostilities, there were already more than four million internally displaced people in Afghanistan. The situation is grim and everyday more and more people, a majority of whom are women and children, are either internally displaced or are fleeing to neighboring countries and seeking refuge. The UN estimates that as many as half of the country’s population will be in need of urgent humanitarian aid, including food, housing and basic medical care.

Veterans @VMware and Allies are working together to continue to serve by supporting organizations focused on impacting lives of those affected from the Afghanistan theater of operations.

Torrential rain this weekend led to devastating flooding in the Middle Tennessee Area. In support of the communities impacted by the floods, Bright Funds has established the 2021 Tennessee Flood Response and Recovery Fund. This Fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing emergency response in the region. Through a single donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations' initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. We have initially selected organizations that are providing immediate relief needs. The composition of the nonprofits in this Fund are subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.

years and years of ongoing war, poverty, natural disasters caused by climate change, and now Covid-19 is a deadly combonation for families in afghanistan. Instability in Afghanistan is putting woman and children at risk. Please Help! Every donation will help raise the money to help send food and clothing and other essentials over to the woman and children in Afghanistan. Please keep them in your prayers! Pass on the word and share your love and support!

IAR Costa Rica rescues, rehabilitates and release injured wildlife. Supporting this cause will mean helping IAR growing the number of threatened wildlife by increasing their rescue center capacity. Their goal is to raise $140,000 in order to rebuild the refuge. You are able to see the progress directly from their web page: https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/rebuildtherefuge

This Fund is a combination of two funds created to help support those affected by the current Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan. Descriptions are taken directly from GlobalGiving and Bright Funds (source links below) and I have noted the organization that selected and vetted the nonprofits. SOURCES: Created by Bright Funds: https://vmware.brightfunds.org/funds/2021-afghanistan-emergency-aid-fund Afghanistan Humanitarian Relief Projects by GlobalGiving’s Vetted Partners: https://www.globalgiving.org/afghanistan-relief/

Support Haitian-led organizations helping with immediate, on-the-ground needs in the wake of the August 14th earthquake and subsequent tropical storm. Sourced from the M4BL Ayiti/Haiti Solidarity Support List—please prioritize funding and sourcing local resources!

We’ve all seen the devastation in Afghanistan. In disaster philanthropy, one of the most effective ways we can assist is through monetary donations. Please consider donating to provide immediate relief for people directly affected by violence in Afghanistan.

703,000 people die by suicide globally each year. That’s one person every 40 seconds, and for each death, there are another 20 attempts. Crisis lines are flooded, highlighting the concern and time-sensitive importance to respond. In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and National Suicide Prevention Week (September 5-11 in the United States), Minds Over Matter has partnered with Brightfunds to highlight nonprofits that are improving suicide prevention and mental health care. For more details on how your donation will impact the community, please view the organizations below.

Violence is escalating in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the presidential palace and seizing control over the country. Bright Funds established the 2021 Afghanistan Emergency Aid Fund to support organizations working to deliver aid to areas in conflict and support displaced people in Kabul. This fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing emergency response in the region. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations’ initiatives. We have initially selected organizations that are on the ground assisting with immediate relief needs. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.

Covid-19 is a tough period for everyone and the artists/musician are one of the most affected sector/industries worldwide. Kato Tonny grew up in an orphanage as his parents died when he was very young. Though many tough periods and the poor and difficult life in Ugandan orphanage, he succeeded to graduate from school and to start fighting for his own life. He has studied in detail the Ugandan traditional culture and dances and plays all local instruments. At the same time, he trains and passes on his talent to children. Tony is currently in danger of staying on the street because he does not have the funds to pay his house rent. Let's help him in this difficult time and pay his rent for the current year ( 5 months).

Dear VMware friends: Vietnam is experiencing the worst COVID outbreak since the start of the pandemic. Thousands have died, but the worst is yet to come. Only 1% of the total population has been fully vaccinated. The country is in total lockdown, and millions of unfortunate people cannot work to earn a little income to support their daily living basis. The healthcare system in Ho Chi Minh city, the largest city and also the epicenter of the outbreak, is on the brink of collapse. I was in Vietnam just a few weeks ago so I could witness this hardship myself. It broke my heart. We’re raising money to provide emergency support to low-income families and frontline workers in Vietnam’s hardest hit communities. With a donation of $8, you can give an essential food package — containing 5kg of rice, 1 bottle of cooking oil, 1 bottle of soy sauce or fish sauce, and a pack of sardine can — that can help a person survive for 2 weeks! All donations will be sent to VietBay Inc., a 501©(3) non-profit organization formed by a group of Vietnamese professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. All US donations are tax deductible. VietBay Inc. work with The Lotus Charity Foundation (Quỹ Từ thiện Bông Sen), the operator of Quan Com Nu Cuoi, VNHELP, JOY Foundation, and other grassroot groups, to prepare and distribute gift packages and PPE directly to the unfortunate people and medical workers in Vietnam. I will personally match every dollar you donate up to the first $2,000. And with VMware's generous matching program - every dollar from your contribution will have a quadruple effect! Please note "Help Vietnamese struggling due to COVID" in your contribution. Learn more about the situation in Vietnam: https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/04/asia/southeast-asia-delta-covid-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html Learn more about our campaign: https://www.vietbay.group/events/fundraiser-to-help-vietnamese-struggling-due-to-covid https://www.facebook.com/donate/4166163110137071/ https://vnexpress.net/sai-gon-bao-thuong-4326211.html https://www.nguoi-viet.com/little-saigon/vietbay-gay-quy-hon-200-ngan-dum-boc-nguoi-sai-gon-giua-dai-dich/ Our current goal for this campaign is $20,000. Thank you for your help from the bottom of my heart. Let's beat COVID-19, together!

Vietnam is experiencing the worst COVID outbreak since the start of the pandemic. Thousands have died, but the worst is yet to come. Only 1% of the total population has been fully vaccinated. The country is in total lockdown, and millions of unfortunate people cannot work to earn a little income to support their daily living basis. The healthcare system in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) city, the largest city and also the epicenter of the outbreak, is on the brink of collapse. We’re raising money to provide emergency support to low-income families and frontline workers in Vietnam’s hardest hit communities. With a donation of $8, you can give an essential food package -- containing 5kg of rice, 1 bottle of cooking oil, 1 bottle of soy sauce or fish sauce, and a pack of sardine can -- that can help a person survive for 2 weeks! All donations will be matched by TODO (remove this sentence if your employer doesn’t have a matching policy). Please note "Help Vietnamese struggling due to COVID" in your contribution. All donations will be sent to VietBay Inc., a 501©(3) non-profit organization formed by a group of Vietnamese professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. All US donations are tax deductible. VietBay Inc. work with The Lotus Charity Foundation (Quỹ Từ thiện Bông Sen), the operator of Quan Com Nu Cuoi, VNHELP, JOY Foundation, and other grassroot groups, to prepare and distribute gift packages and PPE directly to the unfortunate people and medical workers in Vietnam. Learn more about our campaign: • https://www.vietbay.group/events/fundraiser-to-help-vietnamese-struggling-due-to-covid • https://www.facebook.com/donate/4166163110137071/ • https://vnexpress.net/sai-gon-bao-thuong-4326211.html • https://www.nguoi-viet.com/little-saigon/vietbay-gay-quy-hon-200-ngan-dum-boc-nguoi-sai-gon-giua-dai-dich/

On Friday June 3, we want as many people as possible to bike to the Diegem office and enjoy a nice breakfast, graciously offered by the Belux Board. But there is more to it. We chose June 3 because that's World Bicycle Day, recognized by the United Nations (https://www.un.org/en/observances/bicycle-day)! World Bicycle Day celebrates the bicycle as a symbol of human progress and advancement. It promotes tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitates social inclusion and a culture of peace. The bicycle is considered a symbol of sustainable transport and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate. It's also an ideal occasion to support our charity of choice: World Bicycle Relief. We call on all bike enthusiasts and their fans to make a donation *Cisco matching approved*. WBR makes it possible for disadvantaged people and communities to access a bike to improve their living conditions, more info can be found in the link below. If you need any support to design a safe and enjoyable itinerary from your home to work, have any questions about this event or how to make a donation, don't hesitate to contact Steven or Dirk.

Escalating violence in Afghanistan is putting the lives of thousands of civilians at risk. Please donate to help those in need!

On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern part of Haiti. Bright Funds has established the 2021 Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. This fund is comprised of pre-vetted nonprofits providing disaster response in the region. Through a single tax deductible donation to the Fund, you can support multiple organizations’ initiatives to provide short-term and long-term response and recovery. We have initially selected organizations that are on the ground assisting with immediate relief needs, including rescue efforts and medical assistance. The composition of nonprofits in this fund is subject to change as we learn more about the needs on the ground.