99designs is committed to helping shape a more diverse and inclusive future

We stand in solidarity with communities around the world in fighting racial injustice and inequity.

As a creative platform that brings opportunities to people around the world, we have always been committed to championing diversity, encouraging different perspectives and putting people first. Our team works tirelessly to promote our community’s achievements and elevate their voices, but we also acknowledge that opportunities are not always equal. We can do more.

by inescborges

As such, every decision we make is a moment to live our values, and we have a responsibility to take meaningful action both internally and in the community. While we recognize this is a journey that will require ongoing and conscious work, here is where we are starting today:

Education
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We care deeply about creating a company culture where every person feels safe and a sense of belonging. But over the past weeks, we have listened to many voices from around the world, and understand that, like many others, we can do better. We are implementing ongoing training that will ensure our whole team is equipped with the appropriate knowledge and strategies to call out and combat racism—both in the workplace and the wider world.

Financial support
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We understand that financial support matters. 99designs is matching every dollar our employees donate to the Black Lives Matter movement and other organizations supporting social justice reform.

Creative support
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Our 99nonprofits program is a global initiative that provides free design services to not-for-profit groups. Over the next 12 months, we will prioritize organizations working towards equality and social justice, providing them with access to $50,000 of design work, as well as continuing to use our platform to amplify and elevate the voices of diverse creators around the world. We invite any organization working towards creating an equitable society or empowering black, indigenous or minority communities to apply for a grant here.

Community support
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Building on some of the long-term partnerships 99designs has with several organizations and nonprofits in Oakland, we have also earmarked an additional $50,000 to invest in a program supporting local black-owned businesses directly. The team is working with the local community to understand how we can best support business owners and entrepreneurs with this program.

We know that change will take sustained effort, but we will carry on listening and learning what our support can and should look like in the coming months and years ahead.

Patrick Llewellyn and the 99designs team

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