Strengthening community ties through Cardinal at Work Cares
As we enter National Volunteer Month this April, it is a fitting time to reflect on the power of collective action and the tangible contributions of the Cardinal at Work Cares program. Born from a 2021 task force, this program has become a growing part of the employee experience, reflecting a commitment to making community engagement a valued part of our work at Stanford.
The data tells a vibrant story of engagement and community connection. This past year, more than 1,634 of you participated in 84 funded volunteer projects across nearly every school and unit at the university. These efforts reached numerous local organizations through "Project-in-a-Box" initiatives, such as Superhero Cape Kits for the Palo Alto Special Education PTA, and other direct projects with partners like the Ecumenical Hunger Program and Samaritan House, two local organizations providing essential services and personalized support to individuals and families experiencing hardship.
Jennifer Tran, associate director of Finance, Budget and Compensation, participated in a Project-in-a-Box activity with her team and shared, “It was a wonderful volunteer opportunity, and it was inspiring to see our different operations teams come together to support HandsOn Bay Area’s meaningful mission. This experience not only connected everyone to Stanford’s mission but also strengthened our bonds with one another.”
More than just volunteering: A boost to well-being
The impact of these service opportunities extends far beyond the immediate benefits to the community. Results from a 2025 Team Experiences survey taken by past volunteer participants indicate how these opportunities strengthen our workplace culture:
- 95% of participants reported an increased sense of belonging within their teams.
- 93% felt that team morale increased following a service project.
- 88% felt more confident that the university truly values community engagement and service.
- 85% reported feeling more connected to the broader community.
A new digital town center
2025 also saw the successful launch of a dedicated Slack channel, #do-good-with-cardinal-at-work-cares, which has grown to over 600 members. The channel has become a vibrant "virtual town center," where staff share volunteer opportunities, personal stories, photos, and spontaneous acts of kindness. The responses to these posts demonstrate a strong demand for peer-to-peer connection and a shared sense of purpose. Because the channel is accessible regardless of work location, it also allows employees to discover and share opportunities both within the local Stanford community and beyond.
Giving Campaign
This past winter (Dec. 1- 19) saw the launch of our annual Giving Campaign, where we engaged in meaningful acts of kindness, such as volunteering, supporting local organizations, spreading positivity, and sharing our experiences on the Slack channel. This spirit was reflected in a multitude of ways: Stanford Law School filled bins with books and toys to support the Redwood City Police Department and the San Mateo PAL drives, Talent Management & Workforce Strategy in University HR created 60 stuffed animals for children during an on-site volunteer activity, and the Office of Sustainability organized specific collection drives for local farm workers and animal shelters.
The Giving Campaign video series, featuring Stanford leaders and staff members reflecting on the importance of giving back through investing in people and mentorship, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship and education, inspired employees to share and reflect more about their own skill-based volunteering and personal purpose on Slack.
Reflecting on this spirit of service, Provost Jenny Martinez said, “One of the wonderful things about Stanford is the way in which so many members of our community give back to the world around us.”
Looking ahead to 2026
There will continue to be many meaningful opportunities for you to connect to Stanford’s mission by giving back to our communities. Join the Slack channel to stay up to date on volunteer opportunities at Stanford, including Family Weekend, Commencement Weekend, Opening Convocation Ceremony, New Student Orientation, and Cardinal Walk. Also, watch for application announcements about June’s Team Experiences, where managers can apply for a funded team volunteer experience.
The Cardinal at Work Cares program is more than a series of events; it is a commitment to building deeper bonds and demonstrating our purpose. This April and beyond, we invite every member of our community to join in making a difference. Get inspired by watching other employees discuss why giving back is meaningful to them. . As Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer Martin W. Shell said in his video, “Small gifts added together become big gifts, and big gifts coming together change lives.”
