Marc and Lynne Benioff today announced a $100 million gift to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals to expand state-of-the-art pediatric care, alongside Salesforce’s $39 million in new support for public schools, education nonprofits, and local children’s hospitals. These contributions bring the combined lifetime support of the Benioffs and Salesforce to the Bay Area to over $1 billion, reinforcing their commitment to community investment ahead of Salesforce’s annual Dreamforce conference. The funding aims to strengthen healthcare for children and equip educators and students with resources to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Marc Benioff emphasized the responsibility of leadership in the AI capital of the world, stating that supporting education, healthcare, and public spaces is essential for the long-term well-being of the Bay Area community. From its inception, Salesforce has promoted philanthropy through its 1-1-1 model, now evolved into the Pledge 1% movement, which has engaged over 19,000 companies and generated more than $3 billion in global philanthropic impact. Salesforce technology supports over 60,000 nonprofits worldwide, helping them scale their operations and harness AI through programs such as Agentforce.
The Benioffs have also invested in public spaces in San Francisco, including India Basin Waterfront Park and Presidio Tunnel Tops, while Salesforce has partnered with nonprofits like Save the Bay to ensure future generations have access to green spaces. Salesforce employees have contributed over 10 million volunteer hours globally, supporting initiatives from AI education in classrooms to career readiness mentorship.
The $100 million donation will fund a new UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and renovations in Oakland to expand pediatric care. Nicholas Holmes, President of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, highlighted that the contributions allow the hospitals to provide world-class care to children from diverse backgrounds while launching new community initiatives. During Dreamfest at Dreamforce, Salesforce will further mobilize the community to raise $9 million for the hospitals through interactive philanthropic activities.
In education, $13 million of Salesforce’s grants will support public schools in San Francisco and Oakland to expand STEM access and provide teacher training for AI readiness, while $17 million will benefit 18 nonprofits advancing AI education. Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District, praised the long-standing partnership with Salesforce, noting its impact on over 120,000 students and families through nationally recognized curricula and programs that prepare young people for the tech economy.
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