Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $8.32 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly specified
- Geographic Focus: Global (North America, EMEA, APAC)
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.workday.com/en-us/company/corporate-responsibility/workday-foundation.html
- Email: foundation@workday.com
- Phone: Not publicly available
- Location: Wilmington, DE
Overview
The Workday Foundation, established in 2014 as the philanthropic arm of Workday Inc., has awarded over $50 million in grants since 2013. With total assets of $38.2 million and annual charitable disbursements of $8.32 million (2024), the foundation focuses on workforce development and creating pathways to meaningful employment. As a corporate foundation, it channels Workday's philanthropic efforts toward equipping individuals with skills needed for the evolving job market, particularly in AI, digital technology, and green jobs. The foundation operates globally across North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Workforce Development Grants: Support organizations providing AI skills, technical training, and industry credentials
- Upstream Grant Fund: Addresses global challenges including disaster prevention and health emergencies
- Opportunity Onramps®: Funds paid training programs, internships, and job placement initiatives for diverse candidates
Priority Areas
- Workforce development and skills training
- Green jobs and sustainability initiatives
- AI and digital skills development
- Upstream prevention initiatives
- Strengthening human connections and community resilience
- Disaster preparedness and health emergency response
What They Don't Fund
Not explicitly stated in available materials
Governance and Leadership
Executive Leadership:
- Carrie Varoquiers - Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director
Board of Directors:
- Aneel Bhusri - Chairman of Board (Co-CEO of Workday)
- Carl Eschenbach - Director
- Michael Frandsen - Director
- Steve Young - Board Member (former NFL quarterback)
The foundation emphasizes that "our philanthropic programs create meaningful employment that can transform lives."
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Organizations interested in funding should email foundation@workday.com with a description of their work. If the organization's mission aligns with the foundation's focus areas, they will be contacted for additional information.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly specified
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly specified
Application Success Factors
Based on the foundation's funding patterns and partnerships:
- Clear alignment with workforce development and skills training objectives
- Focus on underrepresented communities and creating equitable pathways to employment
- Evidence-based programs with measurable employment outcomes
- Programs that address emerging skills gaps, particularly in AI, digital technology, and green jobs
- Strong track record of job placement and career advancement for participants
- Scalable models that can be replicated across regions
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The foundation prioritizes workforce development programs with direct pathways to employment
- Strong preference for organizations addressing AI and digital skills gaps
- Global reach but likely favors programs in areas with Workday operations
- Email inquiry process suggests relationship building may be important before formal application
- Focus on "upstream" prevention indicates interest in systemic solutions, not just direct services
- Partnerships with established organizations like Generation, NPower, and Year Up suggest preference for proven models
- Foundation operates with substantial resources ($8.32M annual giving) indicating capacity for significant grants
References
- Workday Foundation Official Website: https://www.workday.com/en-us/company/corporate-responsibility/workday-foundation.html (Accessed January 2026)
- Workday Corporate Responsibility Overview: https://www.workday.com/en-us/company/corporate-responsibility/overview.html (Accessed January 2026)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Workday Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/460563684 (Accessed January 2026)
- CauseIQ - Workday Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/workday-foundation,460563684/ (Accessed January 2026)
- GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-0563684 (Accessed January 2026)
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