More Spotlights Contact: Corporate Development Officer Sabrina Pourmand (650) 568-7337 spourmand@peninsula habitat.org Home Partnerships Spotlight Cisco Systems and Cisco Systems Foundation Cisco Empowers Habitat to Help Families Become Self-Sufficient Cisco Systems, Inc. is in the business of building networks and making connections. It builds networks of business, networks of technology and networks of community partnerships around the world. Cisco's work is driven by a simple vision - it wants to build stronger, more productive global communities. "We want to help create healthy, self-sustaining communities where every individual has the means to live, the opportunity to learn, and the chance to share those gifts with others," said Cisco Giving Counselor Catherine Gowen. "Giving back is really important to Cisco and its employees. We want to be a positive influence and contribute to the greater good in the communities where we do business." Since its founding, Cisco has invested millions of dollars into local nonprofits and community programs. In 1997, Cisco created the Cisco Systems Foundation to oversee the company's charitable giving and help connect employees to nonprofit organizations in the communities where they live. "Our philanthropic work focuses on three major areas - meeting basic human needs, providing access to education and promoting responsible citizenship," Gowen said. "We believe that empowering people to help themselves is the key to building stronger communities." One local nonprofit Cisco partnered with to build stronger communities was Peninsula Habitat for Humanity. "Working with Peninsula Habitat appealed to Cisco because we shared the same philosophies and values," Gowen said. "The organization not only helps meet families' basic needs for shelter, but also empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient." Peninsula Habitat for Humanity began working with Cisco in 1993, and in 2000, Cisco chose Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates as one of its many international philanthropic partners. "We were looking to formally partner with international organizations who could offer volunteer opportunities in cities where Cisco has employees," Gowen said. "Habitat for Humanity International was a good choice because the organization has affiliates all over the world." As Habitat's partner, Cisco provides support for building homes through multiple volunteer, grant and matching gift programs. For example, Cisco will match an employee's volunteer time by donating $10 per hour spent building homes to the local Habitat affiliate. Employees can also nominate Habitat affiliates for a "House Build Grant." The employees must commit to donating at least 25% of the hours needed to build a Habitat house, and then the Foundation will provide a grant for a portion of the house cost. In the last 13 years, Cisco Systems and its Foundation have donated more than $650,000 in grants and matching gifts to help build affordable, ownership homes for low-income families on the Peninsula. Cisco also empowered 1,500 employees to donate more than 12,500 hours or 1,743 work days of volunteer time. Gowen said employees love volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. "It's easy to organize a build day and doesn't require a lot of advanced planning," she said. "Building a house with coworkers is a great team building activity and our employees regularly come back saying they had a very positive experience."