Perficient’s Giving Employee Resource Group (ERG) recently introduced the Perficient Gives Global Grants Program, which gives colleagues the opportunity to nominate charitable organizations from around the world to receive a $5,000 donation from Perficient. After carefully evaluating each nomination, Perficient’s Giving ERG leadership team selected the first five organizations to receive a donation. Last month, we announced Charity: Water as the first organization to receive a Perficient Global Grant.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the next two organizations receiving a $5,000 donation from Perficient: the Jessie Rees Foundation, nominated by Tara Vondran, Senior Project Manager, Southern California, and the Foundation for Excellence, nominated by Rajesh Ranga Rao, Technical Architect, Chennai.
Spreading Joy to Children Fighting Cancer with the Jessie Rees Foundation
The Jessie Rees Foundation believes that every child fighting cancer deserves joy, the opportunity to smile, and the encouragement to Never Ever Give Up (NEGU).
Founded by Jessie Rees, a 12-year-old girl who courageously fought cancer, Jessie’s family continues her mission to share hope by sending motivational and cheerful gifts, including JoyJars, to kids battling cancer.
Watch the video to understand Jessie’s journey, and what inspired her drive to help other kids continue fighting.
Tara nominated the Jessie Rees Foundation because the organization and its mission are particularly impactful to her family. In 2019, Tara’s niece received a diagnosis of Leukemia. While the road to recovery was challenging, Jessie’s story was influential in inspiring her to never give up. Tara’s niece is now in remission, and Tara hopes to continue spreading joy to children in the hospital for many years.
Tara first learned about the Jessie Rees Foundation nine years ago and has volunteered her time by stuffing JoyJars with toys, cards, beanies, and socks. She has even coordinated a volunteer event where Perficient colleagues created “Care Cards” full of hope and words of affirmation to help spread a touch of happiness to those who need it most. 
“There’s so much that a kid goes through with cancer, and the Jessie Rees Foundation makes a difference,” said Tara. “Knowing the kids have a support system means the world, and receiving toys and care cards inspire them to never give up and continue the fight.”
Each year, more than 400,000 children receive a cancer diagnosis. As of January 2024, the organization has sent more than 475,000 JoyJars to kids fighting cancer all over the world. Thanks to Tara’s nomination, Perficient’s donation will empower children with cancer to be courageous and understand that they are not alone.
Learn More: Discover How You Can Get Involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation
Advancing STEM Education in Partnership with the Foundation for Excellence
The Foundation for Excellence was founded with the mission to award college scholarships to low-income students pursuing education in engineering, medical, biopharmaceutical, and law programs in India. Through country-wide programming efforts, the Foundation for Excellence identifies people without necessary educational funding and provides them with resources to continue learning.
The non-profit also offers all engineering scholars a curated training program for soft and technical skills, as well as an in-house mentorship program for professionals to connect with and guide first-generation learners as they embark on their professional journey.
Read More: Learn About the Foundation for Excellence
Education is a cornerstone of India’s society. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the resources or financial support needed to achieve higher education. Through Rajesh’s nomination, we’re helping connect students with the tools they need to be successful.
“The Foundation for Excellence plays a pivotal role in offering scholarships to college students requiring financial assistance, thereby creating a difference by transforming the lives of students to pursue and achieve their dreams,” said Rajesh.
Rajesh has been involved with the Foundation for Excellence since 1998 when he received a scholarship from the organization to assist with his continued education and career growth. As someone who has personally benefitted from the work the Foundation for Excellence provides, Rajesh understands the importance of the organization’s mission on a deeper level. Inspired by that mission, Rajesh continues to pay it forward by making his own donations to the Foundation for Excellence to help others who aspire to further their professional skillset.
For 29 years, the Foundation for Excellence has awarded more than 95,000 scholarships to students living in impoverished regions of India. Since 2022, the organization has supported more than 13,579 students pursuing education, with 4,851 people being first-time scholars. Thanks to Rajesh’s recommendation, Perficient and the Giving ERG will continue to help enable and advance STEM education across India.
Read More: Get Involved with the Foundation for Excellence
Perficient and Our Colleagues Are Making a Difference
Our colleagues at Perficient are incredibly kind, generous, and have a passion for volunteerism. The Perficient Gives Global Grants Program is a shining example of Perficient’s corporate social responsibility, community engagement, and commitment to fostering a collaborative workplace centered around giving back.
Stay tuned next month for another announcement sharing the final two organizations that will each receive a $5,000 Perficient Global Grant. This September, Perficient colleagues will have another opportunity to nominate charities that are meaningful to them for a Perficient Global Grant. Together, Perficient and our colleagues are making a difference and empowering all people to be the change they wish to see in the world.
