Amazon’s Dedication to Community Well-being
Since its beginnings, Amazon has been intertwined with the communities it calls home. Amazon aims to enhance the lives of its customers daily, and it aims to tackle societal challenges within its local communities. Working alongside community partners, Amazon is actively involved in various initiatives to address pressing needs.
Championing Innovative Community Initiatives
Amazon’s commitment is multifaceted, involving:
- Increasing access to affordable housing
- Alleviating food insecurity
- Strengthening educational opportunities
- Helping individuals develop essential skills
- Providing rapid support through technology and infrastructure during natural disasters
Positive Socioeconomic Impact
Research by Oxford Economics supports the positive impact of large companies like Amazon. Their investments contribute to new business growth and lower violent crime rates across the U.S.
Empowering Selling Partners and Donating Products
Amazon empowers its selling partners to participate in its community efforts. The Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Donations program enables independent sellers using FBA to donate eligible products to families and individuals in need through Amazon’s nonprofit partners. In 2023, Amazon, along with its sellers, donated more than 160 million products globally. This program has supplied clothing, school supplies, essential items, and furniture to those affected by various hardships.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
$3.6 billion committed to create or preserve 35,000 affordable homes
Atrium Court, a 271-unit affordable housing community in Seattle, WA, was established with backing from the Amazon Housing Equity Fund. Amazon is committed to making affordable housing accessible to everyone. Through the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, $2.2 billion in low-rate loans and grants has been provided to create or preserve over 21,000 affordable homes. In June 2024, an additional $1.4 billion commitment was announced for creating or preserving 14,000 more homes, bringing the total commitment to 35,000 affordable homes across the Puget Sound, National Capital, and Nashville, Tennessee regions.
Food Security Programs
34 million meals delivered directly to families
Amazon supports the critical work of its partners in addressing food insecurity. This is achieved through food donations and grocery deliveries within local communities. To date, 59 million meals have been donated to food banks, pantries, kitchens, and shelters. Also, over 34 million meals have been delivered directly to families through the Community Delivery program across Amazon’s hometown communities. Families benefiting from home-delivered groceries gain greater access to food assistance and experience improved emotional well-being while saving both time and money.
Educational Initiatives
2.1 million students received 17 million hours of STEM education
Amazon is investing in programs that help children, higher education students, and adult learners achieve their full potential. Amazon Future Engineer, a computer science program, has inspired and educated millions of students. The program has provided $46 million in scholarships to 1,150 students. In the past year, over 2.1 million students received over 17 million hours of STEM education through Amazon’s philanthropic education programs. Recently, Amazon committed $12 million in Generative AI scholarships, which will support 50,000 high school and university students from underserved communities. Donations to local partner organizations help underprivileged students gain access to essential resources, enabling them to focus on learning.
Skills Training Programs
31 million+ learners received free skills training in cloud computing and technology
Amazon offers numerous education and training programs that equip individuals with technology career skills. AWS Skills Centers provide free, in-person classes for adults, introducing them to cloud computing applications and career options. AWS re/Start, a free training program, assists unemployed or underemployed individuals in acquiring essential skills. Furthermore, the “AI Ready” initiative aims to provide free AI skills training to 2 million people globally by 2025. Currently, 219 AWS re/Start cohorts across the U.S. have received free tech skills training, with each student having access to 400 hours of education.
Pro Bono Work
Amazon’s legal and policy teams have made a difference in communities by assisting with various issues, including helping with wrongful convictions, safeguarding voting rights, and aiding immigrants. Learn more in the 2024 Pro Bono report.
Disaster Relief and Response
4.8 million+ relief items donated to nonprofits assisting U.S. disaster response
Amazon’s disaster relief efforts use technology and global logistics to provide fast and effective aid to communities impacted by natural disasters. Their 14 global disaster relief hubs are stocked with various relief items. Amazon has responded to 44 natural disasters across America since 2021, donating over 4.8 million relief items to nonprofits.
