By Elizabeth Tse
The nature of work is evolving rapidly. As the largest freelancing website, my company Upwork is proud to be at the forefront of this change. We know that not everyone is set up to thrive in the new economy but believe that digital platforms like ours can make a difference.
Our vision is to connect businesses with great talent, and our mission is to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. To further that mission, we recently launched The Upwork Foundation Initiative, drawing on our core competencies and resources. The Foundation will foster an inclusive future of learning and opportunity by serving those at risk of being left behind by the Fourth Industrial Revolution as well as supporting other nonprofits and our employees in volunteering.
The program will support four key areas:
- Giving: Through grants and fundraising, financially support high-performing nonprofit organizations that are advancing inclusive learning and opportunity by focusing on skill development in underserved communities.
- Partnerships: Help mobilize organizations that support individuals lacking socioeconomic opportunity due to geographical and/or sociological limitations to grow through Upwork.
- Product: Enable nonprofit organizations to increase their social impact and realize their mission by leveraging top talent on Upwork.
- Volunteering: Give our local communities across the U.S. a boost by supporting employees in volunteering for causes and organizations that matter most to them.
The Upwork Foundation Initiative includes a donor-advised fund created through the Tides Foundation. Proceeds from an equity contribution will be given to select organizations through grants to financially support the initiative’s goals.
In addition to the creation of The Upwork Foundation Initiative, Upwork is proud to have joined Pledge 1%. We were honored to ring the opening bell at NASDAQ this morning and stand beside other companies that encourage and empower businesses to have a positive impact.
The future of work can be an inclusive and positive one, and I’m excited to help make that vision a reality.
Originally posted: November 27, 2018
