Impact Update: The First Chapter

We’re still in the early days with the Banyan Software Foundation but we’ve already made some great progress. Since launching in September, we’ve focused on supporting causes that align with our values and creating opportunities for our team to make a real difference.

Here’s a quick look at what’s happened so far:

Grant Partner Highlights

> Merit America continues to create (and expand) tech career pathways

Merit America helps adults break into tech and other in-demand fields without quitting their day jobs. Their mission supports 53 million Americans stuck in low-wage roles and their 2024 Impact Report shows just how far our support can reach. With help from partners like Banyan, Merit America: 

• Served nearly 15,000 learners (exceeding their 10,000 goal)
• Generated an estimated $1B in cumulative wage gain, a 33:1 return on philanthropic investment
• Launched new career tracks in project management and cybersecurity

We were also proud to receive Merit America’s first-ever Values Award for embodying their “Care Deeply” value.

“We appreciate how eager your team is to engage — especially in mock interviews — moving beyond a philanthropic transaction to a partnership rooted in supporting our incredible learners and their success. We are honored to be on this journey with you!”

– Merit America Team

> TransitionZero is accelerating the global energy shift 

It’s shaping up to be a massive year for TransitionZero as they continue to help low-income countries transform their economies with clean, affordable and reliable energy.

In many countries, critical decisions about energy systems are delayed by slow, expensive modeling tools. TransitionZero is changing this. The company has built an intuitive, no-code platform for energy system modeling, delivers quick and accurate simulations, and produces barrier-breaking content that empowers users. 

So far this year, they’ve:

• Launched a Solar Asset Mapper tracking 94,000+ solar facilities across 190 countries
• Rolled out new country-level energy scenarios
• Kicked off major projects with Indonesia’s Bappenas and Google.org across Southeast and East Asia

Impact Powered by Volunteers

From supporting career transitions to addressing food insecurity, volunteers across the Banyan community are finding meaningful ways to give back.

Through our partnership with Merit America, 23 Banyan volunteers participated in mock interviews to help tech job seekers build confidence and prepare for their next opportunity.

“Volunteering with Merit America was a truly rewarding experience. It was great to see how impactful structured feedback can be in helping learners refine their interview skills and gain confidence. The individual I worked with was highly engaged and appreciative of the insights I shared, and it was fulfilling to play a small role in their career journey.”

— Manuri Srikugan, M&A Manager

In December, our employees donated nearly 100 hours of volunteer time. They rolled up their sleeves to sort over 2,145 pounds of granola, enough to feed 2,100 people! We’re excited to see this momentum continue to grow.

Support When It Matters Most

Our Employee Relief Fund provides help in times of unexpected hardship. Here’s one team member’s story.

“In August 2024, my mother underwent knee replacement surgery — a crucial procedure to restore her ability to walk after nearly a year of immobility. She recovered well, and after three months of physiotherapy, was able to set aside her walker and regain her independence.

However, the financial burden of the surgery remained. Our insurance provider did not cover the expense, and the cost exceeded my monthly salary. On top of that, my mother has severe heart issues and depends on a permanent pacemaker that was recently replaced. Managing these medical expenses was an immense challenge, so I applied for aid from the Employee Relief Fund. 

Banyan responded with grace and generosity, approving funds to help cover these medical costs. Their support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. They allowed me to focus on my mother’s recovery rather than the financial strain. I am truly grateful to Banyan for their kindness and assistance.”

— Syed Anwar ul Haque, Corporate Controller

We’re Just Getting Started

If you’re curious about how Banyan supports its teams and drives lasting impact through the Foundation, we’d love to share more. Let’s talk >