Applications will be evaluated by the Zendesk Social Impact review committee against the following criteria:
Programmatic Fit: Applicants must demonstrate how new technology and grant funding will support beneficiary communities and program goals. Applicants must also demonstrate a fit with the Zendesk Foundation focus areas of fostering community, promoting resilience, and creating career pathways in tech.
Unfortunately, projects or organizations looking to use Zendesk for internal purposes will not qualify for this program at this time (including HR, staff, or volunteer management). Successful applicants will demonstrate how Zendesk's software will help their external program goals. For examples of how nonprofits are successfully using Zendesk, take a look at some of our case studies.
Applicants submitting for the Agents of Change program must demonstrate an interest in adding a CX agent training program to a current workforce training program list or a desire to launch a CX agent training program. These groups may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Communities historically denied equal access to technology training programs due to their financial status, ethnicity, race, religion, age, cognitive or physical abilities, gender, or sexuality;
- Refugees or displaced persons;
- Formerly incarcerated or returning citizens;
- Other communities experiencing long-term unemployment.
Impact: Strong applications will focus on the desired outcomes of the project and should describe any potential long-term benefits to the program. Applicants should focus on how projects will ultimately generate positive results for beneficiary communities and program participants.
Scale: Applicants should display an understanding of how technology and grant investments will support program growth. Applicants should discuss any potential challenges and planned activities to address them including requesting support from Zendesk Foundation to achieve these goals.
Tech Readiness: Applicants should demonstrate their organization’s ability to invest time in ensuring new software is implemented and effectively used by relevant project stakeholders. Zendesk will provide expert support as needed but applicants should describe what team members will be responsible for managing the platform, how staff buy-in will be encouraged, or overall plans on how to ensure the usage of the software for maximum project impact.
Only applications submitted through the application form will be considered. Zendesk will not accept emailed applications.
Applications are due July 15, 2026. You will be notified of the status of your application after August 30th, 2026.