By Amy Waldron, Director of Foundation and Corporate Impact at Zotec Partners
The Zotec Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Zotec Partners, was founded in 2018 with the vision that all underserved youth in Indiana deserve the opportunity to thrive and use their talents and abilities to participate in their communities in a positive and meaningful way.
Our Board of Directors believes that philanthropy is a powerful influence for good and creates robust partnerships and collaborations that propel healthy outcomes. Our compassion for the people we serve and our passion to make a difference, is what drives the Foundation forward.
In April 2021, the Zotec Foundation was thrilled to launch its inaugural open grant program, which will donate $500,000 to Indiana charities serving at-risk youth. Organizations have until May 31, 2021 to apply for one of the Foundation’s 20 grants totaling $25,000 each.
As we review grant applications, there will be the usual evaluation of general criteria and alignment on funding areas. Moreover, the Zotec Foundation will be taking a targeted approach to our community impact, which incorporates the following four integral steps:
The Zotec Foundation was created as a way for Zotec Partners, and its people, to give back to our communities in a meaningful way. As we look at future funding, we want to make sure that our extraordinary team members have an opportunity to get involved, too – donating their time, talent, and treasure.
Bringing our employees’ skill sets to bear for the benefit of our communities is an important factor for us. Our employees are excited to get involved and make a difference. And to magnify the impact, the Zotec Effect program utilizes Foundation funding to match employee donations, reward volunteers with extra funding for organizations of their choice and give paid volunteer time off during the workweek.
2. Creative Solutions
Zotec is focused each day on innovative solutions, and we believe the same approach applies to successful charities. We want our funding to empower nonprofits with the financial freedom to think outside-of-the-box and inspire unique approaches to make a measurable impact.
Nonprofits that implement cutting-edge technology, methods, and creative means to help make a brighter future for youth, will stand out and endure the test of time, staying relevant and impactful. The same rules that apply in the corporate world apply in the nonprofit world—agility, adaptability, and innovation will separate the impactful organizations from others.
3. Collaborative Partnerships
We aspire to be a trusted supporter that our charitable partners, the youth we impact, and other local corporate supporters can count on to understand, participate and contribute to solutions.
This includes bringing charities together with common interests and goals and dreaming up new solutions to serve at-risk youth. When we fund a nonprofit, we don’t just cut a check—we’re there rooting for the organization’s success. We’re asking how else we can help, we’re hosting donation drives, volunteer days, and generating promotions and awareness of the issues and program needs.
The Zotec Foundation can be counted on as a true partner; we hope our funding relationships are long-term, with great communication, trust, and transparency. Charities can count on us to cheer them on and do our part to support their success.
4. Understanding of Issues
The Zotec Foundation Board of Directors takes an active approach to understanding the issues impacting Indiana youth. Our funding areas were identified strategically to align with Zotec’s work in transforming healthcare, but also because the reality is that Indiana youth are facing extreme family, economic, education, and health hardships.
We work with our partners to truly learn what the challenges are of the youth they serve. Understanding the complexities of young people and the many challenges they face daily is key to finding, developing, and funding solutions to help them overcome adversity.
The Zotec Foundation is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that prepare individuals for successful futures. Let’s move forward together! To learn more about the Zotec Foundation and its funding priorities, please visit www.zotecpartners.com/zotec-foundation.
