Employee-Directed Global Giving Provides $150K for Humanitarian Causes

At Cell Signaling Technology (CST), our philosophy of giving and supporting those in need is at the heart of everything we do. Our annual Global Giving program represents a portion of our total giving for each year, and is one of many ways we help the impoverished and underserved in our global communities.

We added Global Giving to our philanthropic programs in 2021, when we redirected funds that would have been used for company social events toward alleviating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on underserved communities. It was the right thing to do, and because it aligned with our mission, the following year we decided to continue this employee-directed giving. Our giving focused on environmental causes and climate action to mark our enrollment in 1% for the Planet as an environmental partner.

Doing good science is important. So is just doing good.

For 2023, CST leaders selected global nonprofits supporting humanitarian causes, specifically those vetted and qualified by 1% for the Planet, with a high Charity Navigator rating. This decision was driven by the unprecedented number of people requiring humanitarian aid due to climate emergencies, war, and the ongoing repercussions of COVID-19.

Since we are often asked which non-profits we would recommend supporting, we took the time to educate our colleagues on five of our favorite global charities. All 700+ international CST employees were invited to vote for their favorite organization to help determine how the $150K was allocated between each of these five organizations. 

Read on to learn why these organizations are important to us.

Americares

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Since 1979, the organization has responded to natural disasters, poverty, disease, and war with life-changing medicine, medical supplies, and health-based services and programs. By providing disaster preparedness, medical aid, disaster relief, and recovery, Americares saves lives and helps communities rebuild, even in the wake of overlapping crises.

Why CST employees support Americares: The types of events that Americares tackles are never far from the headlines and many of us have family members or friends who have been affected in some way. The funding that Americares receives helps the organization more rapidly respond to multiple disasters, ensuring that health comes first.

CARE

Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the largest poverty-fighting organizations in the world. It provides time-tested responses to disasters and emergencies and works to tackle social injustice and foster gender equality by empowering women and girls.

Why CST employees support CARE: CARE has observed that, while women are typically the frontline responders within their communities when a crisis strikes, they are often overlooked when it comes to humanitarian coordination and decision-making. By supporting CARE International’s efforts to give women a more prominent role in disaster situations, CST is helping to improve the humanitarian assistance available to those affected.

International Medical Corps

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps delivers emergency medical and related services to those affected by conflict, disaster, and disease. It also provides community-based training, giving local people the skills they need to salvage and strengthen their healthcare systems.

Why CST employees support International Medical Corps: Medical aid is one of the most critical requirements in a crisis, not only to save lives but also to relieve suffering and prevent the spread of disease. We recognize the dedication of the International Medical Corps teams, who put their lives on hold at a moment’s notice to travel to where their expertise is urgently needed.

UNICEF USA, United Nations Children’s Fund

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Formed in the aftermath of World War II, UNICEF’s mandate is to help children and young people whose lives and futures are at risk. This includes providing emergency relief in response to global disasters.

Why CST employees support UNICEF: Children living in a conflict or disaster zone are more likely to be in poverty, out of school, and at increased risk of malnutrition and disease. CST supports UNICEF’s work in providing lifesaving relief, safeguarding children's rights, and protecting them from harm.

World Central Kitchen (WCK)

Formed in response to the catastrophic 2010 Haiti earthquake, WCK is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. 

Why CST employees support WCK: At CST, we understand that good food is not only nourishment, it is an essential part of human culture and we appreciate the comfort it can bring in a crisis. We are proud to support WCK in helping devastated communities recover and become stronger by establishing resilient food systems.

A Culture of Giving

Since 2021, we've donated nearly $1 million through our annual global giving initiative, which has been used to alleviate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, protect the environment, and provide humanitarian aid. As we look ahead to 2024, we pledge to commit even more of our time, money, and resources to continue making a global difference.

Learn more about Environmental & Social Responsibility at CST.23-BCH-35200