Cisco Foundation FY24 Impact Report: Transforming Lives Globally


11/20/2024


For over 25 years, the Cisco Foundation has remained dedicated to shaping a better future through its commitment to creating a healthier planet, fostering thriving communities, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
 
This mission has never been more critical, and the Foundation continues to broaden its efforts, leveraging Cisco’s technology, resources, and expertise to address the most pressing challenges impacting people, the planet, and society.
 
Introducing the Cisco Foundation FY24 Impact Report 
After achieving its ambitious ten-year goal of positively impacting one billion lives in FY23, the Foundation is now reflecting on key lessons, celebrating its partners' transformative work, and sharing its forward-thinking approach. The FY24 Impact Report provides deeper insights into its investment strategy, collaborative partnerships, metrics for success, and the significant outcomes achieved over the past year.
 
Through these partnerships, over 170 million lives were positively affected across more than 100 countries, demonstrating not just reach but the sustained depth of impact. Key highlights include: 
Scaling Solutions: 40% of investments now support solutions that impact over 1 million people annually, moving ideas successfully from concept to scale.  Catalytic Investments: 97% of partner organizations secured new funding directly tied to Cisco’s support, amplifying their growth and reach.  Empowering Small Organizations: 56% of partners operate with an annual budget under $5 million, proving that smaller organizations can achieve outsized results.  Localized Impact: 81% of partners have the majority of their teams based in the regions they serve, emphasizing community-driven, client-focused approaches.
 
A Commitment Beyond Philanthropy 
The report also showcases stories from nonprofit partners making meaningful impacts in communities worldwide. These examples illustrate how Cisco’s unique combination of cash grants, in-kind technology contributions, and the expertise of its Social Impact and Innovation teams fosters exponential results.
 
The Foundation’s efforts extend beyond traditional philanthropy, exemplified by initiatives like the $100 million Climate Regeneration commitment launched in FY21. Now in its third year, this program provides grants and invests in climate-focused organizations and solutions that are already creating measurable results.
 
For Cisco, driving meaningful change is intrinsic to its identity. The company’s mission to create an inclusive future inspires others to leverage their unique strengths to address global challenges and create a lasting positive impact.
 
A Vision for the Future 
Building on the success of its One Billion Lives milestone, Cisco is setting its sights on new, bold goals. These efforts will focus on underserved communities worldwide, deepening their impact through innovative solutions and partnerships that deliver generational change. 
 
The upcoming Cisco Purpose Report will unveil this next phase, offering a glimpse into the initiatives and collaborations shaping the future. Together, Cisco and its partners are poised to address humanity’s most significant challenges and transform billions of lives in the years to come.