Google's $800M Commitment to COVID-19 Relief
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai discuss the $800M C19 Commitment
Among tech companies rallying funds, research, and advocacy to support relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Google has been one of the most active and vocal.
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, (who, you’ll remember, was also very recently named CEO of Alphabet late last year) has been open about talking about what the company is doing in response to the global emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read his extensive statement on Google’s blog here.
The company is dedicating a whopping $800M to respond to the pandemic, in aid to businesses, health organizations, academic institutions, and more. Google is:
Giving Ads credits to small- and medium-sized businesses to the tune of $340M.
Offering small businesses an upgraded version of GSuite (including Hangouts Meet) for free until July 1.
Providing a useful list of resources to help businesses manage through COVID uncertainty.
Read a collection of blog posts from Google's Keyword blog with even more helpful information for businesses of all sizes—and everyone trying to find their footing throughout this stressful time.
Where else is that $800M going?
$250 million in ad grants to help the World Health Organization (WHO) and 100+ other global government agencies to promote accurate information about COVID-19.
$20 million in ad grants to community financial institutions and NGOs specifically for promoting relief funds and resources for small businesses.
A $200 million investment fund to help NGOs and financial institutions provide small businesses with access to capital.
$20 million in Google Cloud credits for academic institutions and researchers. Learn how to apply for credits on the Google for Education site.
Direct financial support and expertise to increase PPE production and medical devices. Not only are they partnering with their longtime supplier Magid Glove & Safety to produce 2-3 million face masks, Google and other Alphabet company employees are also committing their work to finding to solutions to COVID-19 impacts.
Pichai notes that, in addition to the above actions, Google is has increase its matching donation program for employees—from a $7,500 to $10,000 match for whatever organizations Google employees choose to donate to. That’s in addition to the $50 million Google.org has already donated.