Ballmer Group

We're excited to see grantee Communities In Schools National Office launch this excellent campaign to address chronic school absenteeism. We look forward to sharing more of their research—and their solutions—soon!

Connie, Steve, and Sam Ballmer are pleased to announce the launch of a new climate philanthropy, Rainier Climate Group. Since stepping into the climate change space in 2022, the family has contributed just over $1 billion to climate initiatives globally. Rainier Climate Group will build on these initial efforts through expanded philanthropic investments in new and existing strategies to address the global climate crisis. The family is excited to welcome Tom Steinbach to serve as the inaugural President of the newly formed organization. Rainier Climate Group will focus on supporting strategies that operate at the speed and scale needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions dramatically, aiming for net zero emissions globally by 2050 and even earlier in wealthy nations. “We have learned in our first two years of giving that philanthropy has a unique and crucial role in advancing solutions to the climate crisis at the necessary speed. It will take immense focus and scale to address the magnitude of the issue,” said Sam Ballmer, who has been leading Ballmer Group's climate philanthropy since 2022. “We are thrilled Tom Steinbach will lead Rainier Climate Group as we expand our support of the organizations and strategies aimed at solving the problem.” Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/ebjQqtQ2

Get to know Ballmer Group grantee the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). The Alliance advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Our grant supports Network Effect, a consortium of six broadband and digital inclusion organizations focused on community-based grassroots advocacy and support for affordable Internet access. Network Effect partners will strengthen national, state, and local digital equity ecosystems where local voices, community needs, and real solutions are prioritized and elevated in policymaking and program implementation. https://lnkd.in/e885SsJA

Congrats to Ballmer Group grantee STRIVE on their 40th anniversary! STRIVE is a workforce development organization active in more than 10 locations across the U.S., where they provide professional training, personal support, and self-empowerment to people who face societal barriers to careers and opportunities. Their great work is evidenced in their impressive outcomes! Read more on their website: https://lnkd.in/e6DGMxwt

Ballmer Group grantee Code for America Labs helps governments take a people-centered, iterative, and data-driven approach to solving problems and improving service delivery. Our grant enables Code for America's work in advancing economic mobility by simplifying and streamlining the tax filing process. Code for America aims to serve 300,000 low-income people across the U.S. to file their taxes and get refunds more easily and quickly. https://lnkd.in/gEcBFJWP

So excited to partner with California State Alliance of YMCAs to support out-of-school time programs—a vital part of supporting academics and building relationships!

Get to know our grantee: Student Freedom Initiative (SFI): Ballmer Group supports SFI's Connect101 program, which will enable 70 HBCU-anchored communities currently considered broadband deserts with the knowledge and financial resources needed to plan and deliver high-speed, affordable internet connectivity and the devices and skills to use it. Ending the digital divide in 70 communities will have an enormous positive impact on local economies, the ability for HBCUs to continue serving as effective anchor institutions in a digital world, and the lives of more than 100,000 families. https://lnkd.in/gpRb8CvF

Super excited about our sibling org USAFacts' new series, #JustTheFacts! USAFacts founder and Ballmer Group co-founder Steve Ballmer is demystifying the data around the big issues that impact America. Learn about the numbers behind the topics you care about and get just the facts at https://lnkd.in/dXm7NnQb. Watch the first two episodes now and stay tuned for more!

Get to know a Ballmer Group grantee: National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) directly addresses systemic inequities impacting children, youth, and young adults most affected by racial and economic injustice and structural oppression across California. Some of their work includes NCYL’s Compassionate Education Systems demonstration projects, which transform how schools and districts support and respond to students who are experiencing homelessness, are on probation, or are in the child welfare system, with thousands of students, teachers, school staff, and administrators being reached. NCYL also plans to launch an Early Childhood Mental Health project in California to educate, empower, and activate parents and caregivers of young children in advancing community-driven policy solutions. https://youthlaw.org/

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023-24 Tools Competition! Ballmer Group's grant supports The Learning Agency's Tools Competition, which funds innovation to leverage digital technology, big data, and learning science to meet the urgent needs of learners worldwide.