It is always encouraging when a member of the tech community, in this case Indianapolis, IN-based Interactive Intelligence, the sponsors of the Contact Center Solutions Community, is recognized for not just doing well but doing good. It is difficult to over-estimate how important being a great neighbor and giving back can be not just to the community but for the company as well.
In fact, what is important to note is the recent honor Interactive Intelligence gained in being named by the Indiana Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as its 2014 Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Corporation of the year is that giving back has been an integral part of the company’s DNA since its founding.
Interactive Intelligence was nominated for the award by Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. The nomination was based on contributions to Gleaners by the Interactive Intelligence Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation that provides funding to foster life improvements for at-risk youth. The Foundation distributes the funds it raises to a small number of not-for-profit organizations whose missions are aligned with the mission of the Foundation. It raises funds through corporate donations, an annual fundraising event, and through employee and "friends of the foundation" contributions.
Interactive Intelligence Foundation contributions to Gleaners included funding and volunteer support of its BackSacks Weekend: Food for Kids program. The program reaches 10,000 children every week with life-sustaining food to tide them over the weekend when school meals are not available.
The award nomination also cited the Foundation's contribution to The Julian Center in Indianapolis, which provides support and services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other life crises. Foundation contributions included funding for a Technology Center, computer and phone equipment, and technical training.
In addition, also included as part of the award nomination was the Foundation's contribution to GENAustin, a Texas-based not-for-profit organization that helps support and guides girls to make wise choices as they navigate the unique pressures of girlhood. As a result of Foundation funding, GENAustin was able to provide training to 12 high-risk teen girls that helped them learn computer coding basics.
"We're honored by this award, which gives visibility into the Foundation's efforts toward helping the needy, in particular, our at-risk youth," said Joe Adams, Interactive Intelligence Foundation president. "To-date, the Foundation's efforts have raised approximately $1 million, which has helped a multitude of charities improve the lives of young people. A big thank you goes out to Gleaners for its nomination, and especially to our many employees whose selfless contributions are making a difference here in Indiana and throughout the world."
Being named the winner of the award is a real honor as the process for selection is comprehensive and the bar is set high. Winners of the AFP Philanthropy Awards are selected by a judging committee comprised of community leaders across all industry segments who have a passion for philanthropy. Nomination forms require information about the outcomes of philanthropic impact and achievements, as well as evidence of philanthropic support and innovative approaches to problem solving.
Not every company feels the importance of giving back. It is heart-warming that thanks to Interactive Intelligence CEO Dr. Don Brown, the importance of philanthropy is a key component of the company culture and equally nice to see the company’s embrace of philanthropy being recognized.