Q2 Philanthropy Fund: Global Giving with Local Roots
As a mission-driven company, Q2 is committed to building strong and diverse communities by strengthening their financial institutions. Q2 provides cutting-edge digital banking solutions and has offices around the globe, but remains deeply connected to its Austin, Texas roots. Austin Community Foundation (ACF) plays a crucial role in helping Q2 create a positive impact both locally and in every community it touches.
Q2 Spark: Igniting a Community of Philanthropists
Q2 employees participating in a volunteer workday with TreeFolks
In 2021, Q2 launched its corporate social responsibility program, Q2 Spark. In 2023 alone, Q2 employees volunteered more than 10,000 hours for 220 philanthropic organizations; combined with employee giving, Q2 contributed more than $1 million to charitable organizations worldwide, including 29 causes and organizations focused on underserved communities. To celebrate Q2’s 20th birthday, Q2 employees have committed to volunteering 20,000 hours throughout 2024.
According to Q2’s Chief People Officer, Kim Rutledge, Q2 Spark aims to “ignite a community of philanthropists.” This employee-centered program empowers Q2 employees to learn and evolve in their philanthropic journey while nurturing their individual passions. A key component of this is the Q2 Philanthropy Fund, Q2’s only global grant cycle, which ACF manages.
Q2 Philanthropy Fund: Grants Across the Globe
In tandem with four strategic grantmaking pillars—education, entrepreneurship, health, and safe communities—the Q2 Philanthropy Fund prioritizes organizations that align with the company’s central values of Belonging and Inclusion. In addition, Q2 names proximity to its offices or legal entities as an eligibility requirement, allowing them to focus their impact where the company operates. In 2024, Q2 reviewed 99 grant applications from organizations across the globe, with a goal to increase the number and geographic range of applications each year.
Q2 employees volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities’ “Meals from the Heart” program
To encourage philanthropic engagement across the company, Q2 recruits a committee of global employees to vet grant applicants for the Q2 Philanthropy Fund. ACF then facilitates comprehensive training to prepare this committee for application reviews, including addressing unconscious bias and fostering a more diverse selection of grant partners. Beyond reviewing submissions, the committee meets to establish their process, explore what philanthropy means from a grantmaking perspective, and ultimately determine which organizations will receive grant funding. Employees find this to be a unique opportunity to give back and make their voices heard on the issues they’re passionate about—both close to home and internationally.
Partnering with ACF
While Q2 operates globally, Austin remains central to their identity. When choosing to work with ACF, key factors included credibility, efficiency, and comprehensive software. This partnership also extends beyond the Philanthropy Fund, as Q2 is the first company to invest in all three of ACF’s signature programs—The Black Fund, Hispanic Impact Fund, and Women’s Fund. Q2 began these annual contributions because it believes ACF’s programs are a strategic way to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive community in Central Texas.
What’s Next?
Q2 is committed to continuous improvement and innovation as the company expands its philanthropic efforts. While some strategies may shift over time, Q2 knows two things with certainty:
- The company will continue to center employees in its philanthropic efforts, looking for opportunities to support individual interests and promote community engagement.
- Q2 will continue to rely on ACF as a strategic partner for what’s next and best in philanthropy.
If you’re wondering how ACF can help your company achieve new philanthropic heights, don’t hesitate to email us. Our team will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect solution.