What began as a small group of passionate Avnet employees giving back in Arizona has grown into a global movement that continues to strengthen communities around the world.
This year, Avnet Cares marks 20 years as Avnet's global community engagement and philanthropy program. To celebrate this milestone, employees around the world will have opportunities to volunteer, share stories and recognize the partnerships that have helped make the program meaningful in their local communities.
An employee-led commitment to community service
Even prior to 2006, Avnet employees with a shared commitment to community service began organizing volunteer projects and charitable initiatives in their local communities. The grassroots effort quickly gained momentum and caught the attention of company leadership, who recognized employees' passion for making a difference and sought ways to support and expand those efforts.
Over the past 20 years, Avnet Cares has evolved into Avnet's global community engagement and philanthropy program, empowering employees across the globe to support causes they care about through volunteerism and charitable giving. Guided by employee leaders and supported by regional committees around the world, the program continues to reflect the interests and passions of Avnet employees while creating meaningful impact in local communities.
Today, Avnet Cares provides employees with opportunities to contribute in ways that reflect local needs and regional priorities, from hands-on volunteer projects to employee-nominated charitable support. Over the past two decades, contributions through the program have surpassed $10 million, while employees have volunteered tens of thousands of hours in support of their communities.
Expanding impact through the years
Throughout its history, Avnet Cares has championed causes aligned with the company's values and expertise, with a particular focus on STEM education, environmental sustainability and supporting communities in times of need. From contributing to the largest urban forest in Guadalajara, Mexico, to providing annual support for the Indian Institute of Technology, Avnet Cares has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of local communities while creating meaningful impact around the world.
As the program expanded, so did its impact. In 2021, as part of Avnet's 100th anniversary celebration, the company donated $100,000 to 100 employee-nominated charitable organizations around the world, reinforcing the employee-driven spirit that has always been at the heart of Avnet Cares.
More recently, the program has expanded its support of STEM education through initiatives such as Coolest Projects with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the Little Free STEM Library Project, helping make technology education more accessible to young people around the world.
Reflecting the commitment of Avnet employees worldwide
Today, as Avnet Cares celebrates its 20th anniversary, the program remains a reflection of the generosity, passion and commitment of Avnet employees around the world. Through volunteer service, charitable giving and community partnerships, Avnet Cares continues to strengthen communities while fostering a culture of purpose and engagement across the company.
As Avnet Cares enters its next chapter, employees will continue shaping the program through local volunteer projects, shared stories and new opportunities to support STEM education and address community needs. Together, they will help carry forward a legacy of service that has defined Avnet Cares for the past 20 years and will continue to inspire positive impact for years to come.