Recipients Include Catch22, Kiron, and Digital Green
The Banyan Software Foundation, endowed with a $100 million commitment of company stock from Banyan Software, today announced grants to three new organizations: Catch22, Kiron, and Digital Green. In total, $2 million in grants has been allocated across the three organizations. The selected recipients are all doing high-impact work that aligns with Banyan Software Foundation’s mission of leveraging technology to build a greener and more equitable world.
“Each of these organizations reflects the values at the heart of the Foundation, investing in the potential of people and technology to create lasting change,” said David Berkal, Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Software. “From reskilling displaced women and supporting youth in crisis to helping smallholder farmers access AI-powered tools, these initiatives are tackling pressing global challenges with innovation, heart, and measurable impact.”
Through a rigorous selection process, the Foundation identified organizations that deliver high-impact solutions across three strategic pillars: education, employability, and environmental sustainability. They include:
Catch22 – Based in the UK, Catch22 delivers employability and skills programs for people facing significant barriers to work, including those in the justice system, youth aging out of care, and individuals navigating mental health challenges. The grant will help Catch22 support 370 people in the UK to secure meaningful, sustainable employment in future-focused sectors over 2 years.
Kiron – A nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to education and opportunity for refugees, migrants, and underserved communities in Germany and beyond. Since its founding, Kiron has supported over 175,000 learners in gaining in-demand skills and building careers. The Foundation grant will fund THRIVE, an upskilling program, predominantly focused on women who have experienced forced migration across the DACH region.
Digital Green – A global environmental nonprofit leveraging AI to help small-scale farmers improve productivity and income, which has been shown to increase farmer incomes by up to 24%. With the Foundation’s support, the organization will expand FarmerChat, its open-source generative AI platform that helps farmers make hyperlocal, data-informed decisions about their crops, inputs, and yields. Already reaching hundreds of thousands of farmers, this grant will support their efforts to reach and impact 2 million farmers globally over two years.
The Banyan Software Foundation is one of Banyan Software’s largest shareholders, ensuring its impact grows in step with the company’s own success. In addition to these external grants, Banyan Software offers several internal purpose-driven initiatives, including employee upskilling funds, a hardship relief fund, and dedicated volunteer time off. The Foundation will also continue with its multi-year commitments to Merit America and Transition Zero.
About the Banyan Software Foundation. The Banyan Software Foundation is committed to leveraging technology for a greener and more equitable world. Rooted in Banyan Software’s core values, we support organizations globally that drive lasting, measurable change. Our focus areas include equal access to education, upskilling for the future of work, and innovative technologies that drive environmental sustainability. Endowed with a $100 million commitment of stock over the next several years, the Foundation’s impact will continue to grow alongside the company’s own growth.
About Banyan Software, Inc. Banyan Software provides a permanent home for successful enterprise software companies, their employees, and customers. We acquire and grow exceptional software businesses worldwide, helping them thrive in niche markets over the long term. Founded in 2016, Banyan uses a buy-and-hold-for-life approach with a permanent capital base to honor and preserve founder legacies. As a purpose-driven company, we are committed to making an enduring impact on our companies and communities. Banyan is one of North America’s fastest-growing private businesses, with offices in the US, Canada, the UK, EU, and APAC.
