Cognizant launches $250 million global CSR drive
Global technology giant Cognizant has announced that it is committing $250 million to global corporate social responsibility initiatives, purpose built to create conditions for humanity to thrive. As part of this, it will expand its grantmaking from the US and India to include new markets, including the UK.
Business cannot afford to ignore purpose-led consumption anymore. The majority of consumers now expect companies to take a stand on current and broadly relevant issues such as sustainability, transparency and fair employment practices – if they are to retain their customers. As a result, recent years have seen the consulting sector commit to building ever greater corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaigns, working to help address major global issues such as climate change, childhood poverty and inequality through their work.
The latest development of this kind has seen global consultancy Cognizant announce a major new CSR commitment, focusing on four key areas. Cognizant will look to help provide equitable educational opportunities to equip students, learners, and workers with 21st-century skills needed to succeed in the digital economy; and it will also work to help advance economic mobility.
At the same time, it will focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals; and champion initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for underrepresented and underserved populations around the world.
In order to do this, the new five-year effort will see Cognizant free up $250 million to CSR initiatives in communities around the world. Building on its longstanding investment in corporate social responsibility, Cognizant, with its extensive global presence, will work to create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities as they emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As a global company, we care deeply about unlocking human potential,” said Brian Humphries, CEO, Cognizant. “We are determined to live our purpose of improving everyday life and apply our technology and business expertise to help tackle global problems. This $250 million initiative aims to create conditions for people to thrive by expanding access to education, healthcare, and technology, and by advancing diversity and inclusion in communities around the world.”
To date, Cognizant and its foundations estimate they have already impacted more than 4 million people, working with over 300 organisations, while more than 166,000 employees have volunteered their time and expertise over the last five years. Looking ahead with this new development, Cognizant will introduce philanthropic programs to advance diversity and inclusion efforts, supporting African American, Latinx, LGBTQ, Pan-Asian, women, and veteran communities.
