Salesforce and the Benioffs Commit Over $1 Billion to Transform Bay Area Healthcare and Education Through Generational Investments

Salesforce and Marc and Lynne Benioff have unveiled transformational commitments exceeding $1 billion in lifetime contributions to the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a watershed moment in corporate philanthropy. The latest investments—$100 million directed toward pediatric healthcare expansion and $39 million supporting educational equity—underscore a long-standing commitment to building community resilience in an AI-driven future.

A Generational Vision for Community Transformation

The Benioff family’s newest $100 million commitment will establish a state-of-the-art children’s hospital facility and fund modernization efforts across UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Oakland, significantly expanding access to world-class pediatric care for underserved families throughout the region. This investment directly addresses critical healthcare gaps while establishing new community health initiatives.

“As someone deeply rooted in San Francisco, I recognize our obligation to strengthen the foundation of our community,” explained Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce. “The Bay Area leads the world in artificial intelligence innovation. With that position comes the imperative to ensure equitable opportunity—guaranteeing every young person has access to exceptional healthcare, thriving public spaces, and education that prepares them for an AI-powered world.”

Redefining Corporate Responsibility in the Modern Era

Since its 1999 inception, Salesforce pioneered the revolutionary 1-1-1 model—dedicating 1% of equity, technology, and employee resources to community benefit. This framework evolved into the Pledge 1% movement, now encompassing over 19,000 participating organizations and catalyzing more than $3 billion in global philanthropic engagement.

The company’s impact extends beyond direct funding. More than 60,000 nonprofit organizations worldwide leverage Salesforce technology at no cost or substantial discount, enabling them to amplify fundraising capabilities, optimize operations, and accelerate their missions. Additionally, Salesforce has mobilized over 10 million employee volunteer hours globally, with teams engaged in classroom AI education, youth career mentorship, and community development across the Bay Area and internationally.

Advancing Educational Equity and AI Readiness

The education-focused allocation totals $39 million, with $13 million dedicated to public school systems including San Francisco Unified and Oakland Unified School Districts. These investments will expand STEM programming and equip educators with essential AI-related training and tools, enabling students to thrive in emerging technology sectors.

The remaining $17 million targets 18 nonprofit organizations specializing in AI skill development and digital literacy. This portfolio approach recognizes that educational transformation requires partnerships across traditional institutions and innovative nonprofits.

Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of San Francisco Unified, emphasized the partnership’s measurable success: “Over thirteen years of collaboration, we’ve educated more than 120,000 students, built nationally acclaimed computer science curricula, and deployed research-validated mathematics programs. This Salesforce partnership demonstrates how corporate investment in public education generates systemic, lasting change.”

Community Infrastructure and Civic Investment

Beyond direct charitable giving, Marc and Lynne Benioff have stewarded significant public investments, including India Basin Waterfront Park and the Presidio Tunnel Tops—projects that strengthen San Francisco’s civic identity and environmental legacy. Salesforce has similarly supported environmental stewardship organizations like Save the Bay, ensuring future generations inherit preserved natural resources.

Mobilizing Support Through Dreamforce

During Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference, the company will activate a fundraising initiative in collaboration with the Golden State Community Foundation. A basketball challenge—offering $5 in donations per basket scored—will encourage attendees to contribute directly to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, with programming featuring Mayor Lurie and Golden State Warriors player Festus Ezeli. The company aims to raise $9 million during this week-long philanthropic activation, complementing the foundational commitments already announced.

The combined Benioff and Salesforce contributions position both Marc and Lynne Benioff and their company as the Bay Area’s foremost corporate philanthropists, reflecting a decades-long commitment to community leadership in healthcare, education, and civic infrastructure during a pivotal moment of technological transformation.