Habitat for Humanity grant program

Our partnership

Housing is critical to ensure the economic prosperity and security of families, and for thriving communities. As housing availability shrinks and costs rise, families with limited incomes face increased housing instability. Habitat for Humanity helps first-time homebuyers build stability and independence through homeownership.

Cisco and the Cisco Foundation support Habitat for Humanity affiliates around the globe by providing grants to cover a portion of the costs to build homes for families in need, engaging our employees, our customers, and our partners opportunities to work together to build these homes, and matching employee contributions of time and money.

In fiscal year 2024, Cisco and the Cisco Foundation provided cash grants and matching donations to support more than a dozen Habitat home build projects around the world, engaging our employees and multiple Cisco customers.

Habitat for Humanity: Greater Indy

In Indiana, the average hourly wage necessary to afford a two‐bedroom fair market rent unit is $14.03; more than half of Indiana’s renters cannot afford the fair market rate, according to an Indiana 211 Partnership Community Report.

Charles, who works for an Indianapolis-area company doing truck and trailer repair, and his wife Shonda were renting a house—but it was not meeting the needs of their family. The home afforded little privacy, and the ongoing problems and repairs required were coming out of their pocket—or taking months to be resolved, with a rent increase at the end of the waiting.

They were connected with Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity, who since 1987 has provided safe, affordable homes for countless families. Cisco Foundation and Cisco provided cash grants in support of the home build. And, we partnered with Eli Lilly and Company, who also provided a cash grant and their employees joined Cisco’s employees, working side by side to help build the house.

“Participating in a Habitat for Humanity project fosters a shared experience that greatly enhances team cohesion. There's a genuine sense of satisfaction in contributing through volunteer work.”

— Matthew Wright, Renewals Manager, Americas Sales

Charles and Shonda now have a safe and secure place to call home.

“Homeownership has always been our dream…the American dream. Owning our own home will give us the opportunity to plant roots, both literally and figuratively, and to become a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

— Charles and Shonda, new homeowners