Zendesk Tech For Good Impact Awards

The Zendesk Tech For Good Impact Awards offer grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and free software to nonprofit organizations worldwide. Launched in 2022, these awards aim to support projects that align with the Zendesk Foundation's core focus areas: fostering community, promoting resilience during crises, and creating career pathways into technology. The awards are open to U.S. organizations classified as 501(c)(3) public charities and foreign organizations operating for charitable purposes. However, organizations based in certain countries, including Belarus, Iran, and North Korea, are ineligible. The primary objectives of the Impact Awards are to enable organizations to leverage Zendesk's products to serve more people and create a greater impact among vulnerable populations. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the software and grant funds will benefit their beneficiary communities. The program also supports workforce development initiatives and encourages participation in Zendesk’s Agents of Change Program, which focuses on technology training for underserved communities. Eligible organizations must submit their applications by August 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, using the official application form. Emailed applications will not be accepted. Proof of nonprofit status is required as an attachment in the application form. Current Zendesk customers and past grantees are not eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted in English, and applicants will be notified of their status after September 30, 2025. The evaluation criteria for the awards include programmatic fit, impact, scale, and tech readiness. Applicants must show how the grant and software will support their program goals and fit within Zendesk’s focus areas. Strong applications will outline the desired outcomes and potential long-term benefits for beneficiary communities. Organizations should also demonstrate their ability to adopt new technology and ensure its effective use. Zendesk will collaborate with award recipients to determine grant deliverables, which may include providing program statistics, tracking program efficiency, and participating in joint marketing opportunities. Software is available for as long as needed, and Zendesk will conduct annual audits to ensure eligibility requirements are met. The awards are unrestricted, but recipients may be asked to provide specific reporting deliverables. For more information, applicants can visit Zendesk’s website and FAQs. Technical difficulties can be addressed by submitting a support ticket to the Tech for Good team. The downloadable application form and FAQs are available to assist with team reviews, but only submissions through the official application form will be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the software and grant funds will benefit their beneficiary communities. Strong applications will outline the desired outcomes and potential long-term benefits for beneficiary communities. Organizations should also demonstrate their ability to adopt new technology and ensure its effective use.