When Giving Gives Back: Why Community Service is a Cornerstone of Dataminr Culture

At Dataminr, community service and volunteering are woven into the fabric of who we are. We believe that the impact of giving back stretches far beyond the immediate support we offer to nonprofits—it comes full circle, enriching our employees, our workplace, and the communities we serve. That’s why we make volunteering a core part of our culture, providing time, resources, and encouragement for every employee to get involved.

We know from research and experience that volunteering is not simply about giving—it’s about growth, connection, and well-being. Studies show that people who engage in community service report higher life satisfaction, better mental health, and a stronger sense of purpose. The impact runs both ways—volunteers bring energy and skills to community partners, and in return they receive experiences that expand their empathy and sense of connection.

We’ve seen firsthand how service strengthens our culture. When employees feel empowered to give back to communities and causes that matter to them, it leads to increased engagement, stronger relationships, and a more meaningful workplace for everyone. Our Culture of Care is not just a slogan—it’s a commitment to holistic well-being in and out of the office.

Out of Office for Impact: Volunteering Across the Globe

Dataminr’s first annual Out of Office for Impact November Service Project exemplified our values in action. Utilizing our company-provided Volunteer Time Off (VTO), employees around the world came together—whether remotely or in person—to support local organizations and effect real change. The program offers employees a structured, direct way to contribute and advocate for social impact with their colleagues and the wider community.

We designed participation to be inclusive and flexible. Employees can:

• Volunteer individually in person with organizations of their choice.
• Join a group virtually to support nonprofit partners through online activities.
• Team up at in-person group events in Dataminr hubs from San Francisco to London and Melbourne.

Through this initiative, our teams tackled community cleanups in Arlington, Virginia, lent a hand in food banks in Austin, Boston, Bozeman, and London, aided nutrition programs in Denver and New York City, wrote letters of appreciation to Military and First Responders, and joined skill-based virtual volunteer opportunities—just to name a few. These events empowered employees to give in the ways that felt most meaningful to them, which is key.

As a remote employee, I chose to volunteer individually with the American Red Cross as a Transportation Specialist, delivering blood to regional hospitals—a task that may sound simple, but carries incredible weight when you think about the patients whose lives depend on each delivery. Loading the van and driving from one hospital to the next became more than just a routine errand; it was a tangible way to support doctors, nurses, and families in urgent need. The experience was both humbling and deeply fulfilling, and left me inspired to find more ways to give back to my community.

Individual volunteering for the American Red Cross in Salt Lake City, UT

Volunteers in New York City: Packaging and organizing meal bags for God’s Love We Deliver

Volunteers in New York City: Packaging and organizing meal bags for God’s Love We Deliver

Volunteers in New York City: Packaging and organizing meal bags for God’s Love We Deliver

Volunteers in New York City: Packaging and organizing meal bags for God’s Love We Deliver

Volunteers in New York City: Packaging and organizing meal bags for God’s Love We Deliver

Volunteer in New York City: Park clean up with NYC Parks

Volunteers in San Francisco, CA: Organizing and disinfecting community space with Family House

Volunteers in San Francisco, CA: Organizing and disinfecting community space with Family House

Volunteers in San Francisco, CA: Organizing and disinfecting community space with Family House

Volunteers in London, UK: Meal service with FoodCycle

Volunteers in London, UK: Meal service with FoodCycle

Volunteers in London, UK: Meal service with FoodCycle

Volunteers in Melbourne, Australia: Gardening and farming with Food for Change

Volunteers in Melbourne, Australia: Gardening and farming with Food for Change

Volunteers in Melbourne, Australia: Gardening and farming with Food for Change

Volunteers in Melbourne, Australia: Gardening and farming with Food for Change

Volunteers in Arlington, VA: Park clean up at National Landing

Volunteers in Arlington, VA: Park clean up at National Landing

Volunteers in Arlington, VA: Park clean up at National Landing

Volunteers in Austin, TX: Food sorting with Central Texas Food Bank

Volunteers in Austin, TX: Food sorting with Central Texas Food Bank

Volunteers in Boston, MA: Truck unloading and food sorting with Boston Cares Church Food Pantry

Volunteers in Boston, MA: Truck unloading and food sorting with Boston Cares Church Food Pantry

Volunteers in Boston, MA: Truck unloading and food sorting with Boston Cares Church Food Pantry

Volunteers in Denver, CO: Meal service at the Denver Rescue Mission

Volunteers in Denver, CO: Meal service at the Denver Rescue Mission

Volunteers in Denver, CO: Meal service at the Denver Rescue Mission

Volunteers in Denver, CO: Meal service at the Denver Rescue Mission

Volunteers in Bozeman, MT: Meal service at Fork and Spoon

Volunteers in Bozeman, MT: Meal service at Fork and Spoon

Karen Mielcarek, Senior Editor Subject Matter Expert Manager, volunteering with the Animal Welfare Association

Individual volunteering for Reading out of Poverty in Melbourne, AUS

Virtual volunteers: Creating and writing cards for Operation Gratitude

Employee Testimonials: The True Impact

The rewards of volunteering are evident in what our employees share about their experiences:

“As a new mom I definitely have more of a soft spot for families now, and seeing the number of families that came through really inspired me to try to contribute my time more often to help take care of my community.”

“It was a rewarding experience, great to connect with colleagues outside the office, and also do a meaningful activity that actually helps the organisation. We even saw a group of kangaroos just as we pushed our wheelbarrows down the farm!”

“Volunteering makes me realize how small actions can create visible improvements in the community. It showed me that giving back doesn’t always require a huge commitment—just showing up and contributing a little time can make a real difference.”

These reflections confirm what we know to be true: giving back is never one-sided. Each act of service generates gratitude, connection, and growth—benefits that ripple through our teams and our communities.

Beyond the Numbers: Measuring What Matters

In just one month, hundreds of Dataminr employees contributed nearly 1,100 hours of global community service across nine locations—through 14 in-person events plus virtual opportunities. But the real value lies in the relationships built serving the needs of our communities; inspiring personal growth, teamwork, and a deeper sense of purpose among employees.  

Our success isn’t measured only in numbers, but in the stories, smiles, and fresh energy we see throughout our workforce after these experiences.

A Commitment We’ll Keep

At Dataminr, we firmly believe that volunteering is a win-win. It’s a two-way street: by supporting our communities, we also nurture the well-being of our people—and that leads to a stronger company and a better world. We are proud to give our teams the time and tools to make an impact and remain dedicated to expanding these opportunities in the future.

I’m incredibly proud of and thankful for our employees who embody our Culture of Care every time they serve. This is what it means to turn gratitude into action, and why community service will always be at the heart of Dataminr.