One of the things that’s attracted so many of DonorDrive’s employees to work here is the philanthropic streak that runs through each of us. Some of us have been lifelong supporters of causes close to our hearts, while others have guided and run non-profits. We feel that this personal experience has been a real advantage in creating an effective fundraising software.

While we innovate DonorDrive daily, we also regularly use it. Our customers power registration, social sharing and fundraising for their walks, rides, runs and virtual events with our software and we’re regular participants in these campaigns, as well as regular donors to their causes. It’s really rewarding to see our software used by so many causes to fund the great work they do. It’s even more fulfilling to be part of that process from the participant side.

As DonorDrive developer Jon Steenbergen puts it: “It’s a great way for us to actually use what we make every day.”

For us, it’s not just about showing our faces at these events. It would be simple to show up in staff T-shirts and glad-hand. But to truly give back, we feel we need to seriously participate and fundraise for the causes. As an example: this summer Team Global Cloud fielded the largest team and were the largest fundraisers in Farm Sanctuary’s local Walk for Farm Animals. We were happy to play a part in helping them kick off their first walk in the area and surpass their first fundraising goal.

For the second year, Team Global Cloud participated in the Extra Life, a 24-hour gaming marathon for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 50% of our staff participated and the other 50% donated to the virtual event. Online Marketing Specialist Sean Riordan sees the event as a natural fit for those who work in tech. “I play games throughout the week in my free time. Being able to do the same thing and raise money for a good cause? I’m in.”

Interactive Designer Lauren Romano had great fun participating in Extra Life, but feels the real draw is the good being done. “I loved that you could choose a specific hospital for your money to go toward. It personalizes the cause, especially if you’ve had an experience at a certain hospital that you’d like to give back to. It’s important for me to stay involved in events that DonorDrive powers, not only for the benefit of the causes, but also to be able to make a difference in someone’s life.”

For Interactive Designer Emily Drumm, Extra Life was personal. “Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that I have a close personal connection to, so I am excited to have the opportunity through Extra Life to raise money for local kids suffering from Cystic Fibrosis and many other diseases.” Emily points out that participation is a great reminder as to why we build DonorDrive. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in day-to-day tasks and lose sight of what we are actually working toward. Participating in events like Extra Life really brings our work to life.”

For all of us here, there’s a unique satisfaction in using the software that we build to do good. While it’s fulfilling to know that DonorDrive is raising many millions for causes annually and improving the lives of literally millions of people every day, there’s something special to each of us in raising and donating a few of those dollars ourselves.