Started in 1999 by Yahoo!’s co-founders as a way for employees to personally give back to their communities, YEF offers three major opportunities for participation: donating to the YEF Fund, championing an organization to get a grant from YEF and volunteering through YEF.

Yahoo!’s culture attracts employees who not only think big, but want to make a big difference as well—and who are often already connected or involved with compelling organizations. Since it’s inception, YEF has donated over $2.7 million to non-profits championed by employees.

What makes YEF unique?

• YEF is entirely employee-driven. All of our funds are donated by Yahoo! employees, all grant recipients championed by our employees, and all YEF activities are run by a volunteer committee of employees.
• YEF also enables employees to increase their contributions exponentially by championing their favorite community causes. YEF champions who donate at least $50 a year can secure up to $30,000 a year for the charity they support.
• Key focus areas for YEF include supporting youth and education, building communities and families, and environmental conservation.

June – Kaboom Playground Build
July – AIDS walk
August – Back to School Backpack Drive
September – Classroom Buddies Kick-off
October – Second Harvest Food Donation program
December – Family Giving Tree