Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM is stepping up its investment in public education. Today, the company announced $27 million in new education grants nationwide. Consequently, $18 million will directly support public school districts. These districts include San Francisco, Oakland, New York City, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Furthermore, this funding builds on 14 years of partnership with public schools. As a result, it reflects Salesforce’s growing commitment to students and educators alike.
“At Salesforce, we believe business is the greatest platform for change,” said Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce. “That’s why we created the 1-1-1 model of giving back and built it into our culture from Day One, and it’s why we’ve continued to invest in our communities, in our hometown of San Francisco, and in our public schools for nearly three decades. As AI transforms our world, we have an even greater responsibility to support schools and teachers and help make sure every young person has the opportunity to thrive. When we bring together our financial resources, our technology, and the time and expertise of our employees, we can make an incredible impact.”
Notably, the announcement comes ahead of Salesforce’s annual Dreamforce conference. Meanwhile, the company is expanding its education focus company-wide. Specifically, Salesforce has revitalized its Adopt-a-School program across more than 25 public schools. Through this initiative, employees work directly with school communities. Additionally, nearly 100 students will attend Dreamforce this year. There, they will receive hands-on mentoring and workshops.
To date, Salesforce has invested over $285 million in Bay Area public schools. This also includes UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. Altogether, this sits within more than $1 billion in combined Bay Area contributions. These come from Salesforce along with Marc and Lynne Benioff, spanning 27 years.
Fourteen Years of School Partnerships Drive Results
Of the $27 million in new grants, $18 million supports five major school districts. These investments follow guidance from district leaders, principals, and teachers. For students, priorities include stronger STEM skills and career readiness. For educators, the focus is retaining great teachers. Additionally, it supports their growth in emerging fields like AI.
“Preparing students for the future means making sure they have the skills and confidence to navigate a world increasingly impacted by AI technology,” said Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District. “Salesforce’s continued partnership helps us invest not only in our students, but in the educators who support them every day. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and thrive here in San Francisco.”
So far, Salesforce has contributed more than $180 million to public schools nationwide. Of that, $156 million went to Bay Area schools specifically. Meanwhile, results are already showing. In Oakland, math teacher coaches helped raise test scores by eight points. Similarly, San Francisco’s middle school proficiency rates rose nearly 8% since 2022. Overall, Salesforce’s investments have brought computer science to over 130,000 Bay Area students.
Moreover, the Principal Innovation Fund gives Bay Area principals flexible funding. As a result, 95% reported improved satisfaction and retention. Meanwhile, grantee aiEDU helps educators navigate AI responsibly. Notably, 91% of surveyed teachers reported significant growth in AI literacy.
Beyond the $18 million, Salesforce is investing $9 million more. This funding supports organizations like New Teacher Center, TNTP, and CodePath. Together, they advance teacher coaching and student career readiness.
Bringing the 1-1-1 Model Into Classrooms
For 27 years, Salesforce’s 1-1-1 philanthropy model has guided its giving. Under this model, the company commits equity, technology, and employee time. Since inception, Salesforce has provided $970 million in grants. Meanwhile, employees have logged nearly 11 million volunteer hours.
This year, the relaunched Adopt-a-School program spans over 25 schools nationwide. This includes 15 middle schools in the Bay Area. Through it, employees and executives build lasting relationships with schools. Salesforce has already met its first-year goal. Additionally, it plans global expansion in FY28.
“Being part of a community means showing up again and again,” said Robin Washington, President, Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Salesforce, who has adopted Elmhurst United Middle School in Oakland through the program. “When you spend time in a school, work alongside teachers, and get to know the people who are there every day, you understand where you can actually help. Our schools sit at the center of our communities, and we want to be there, listening, pitching in, and building relationships that last.”
Finally, Salesforce’s giving extends beyond education. The company supports UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, public safety, and local nonprofits. Together, these efforts strengthen communities where students and families live and learn.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
