Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has concluded its inaugural Open Match Giving Campaign, the first of several new charitable initiatives under the Lab's Giving Pathways program, which operates under the Helping Others More Effectively (HOME) Campaign umbrella. This campaign, which ran from May 12 through Aug. 31, 2025, empowered employees to support their favorite IRS-qualified nonprofits using debit card, credit card or donor-advised fund donations - all with the benefit of a generous match provided by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS).
The campaign saw enthusiastic participation, with employees showing strong support, especially in the final month. From the campaign's launch through the end of July, 121 unique donors contributed a total of $48,534. In August alone, however, employees donated an impressive $122,703.97. Thanks to the LLNS matching program, these August contributions were further amplified by $84,242 in matching funds.
Overall, the campaign raised $276,341, including both employee donations and LLNS matching funds, supporting more than 370 different organizations and causes.
A "Double Your Impact" initiative, introduced in August, doubled the usual LLNS match from 40% to 80%. This limited-time offer inspired employees to maximize their giving in the campaign's final stretch, building excitement and momentum as the Lab prepares for the fall HOME Campaign.
"We're thrilled to see so many employees take advantage of the Open Match Giving Campaign and the Double Your Impact initiative," said LLNL Principal Deputy Director Carolyn Zerkle. "By offering new ways to give and increasing our match, we're making it easier than ever for employees to support the causes they care about most."
The Open Match Giving Campaign is part of Giving Pathways; a new suite of year-round charitable initiatives developed in response to employee feedback seeking greater flexibility and transparency in Lab giving opportunities. In addition to the open campaign, Giving Pathways has included targeted disaster relief efforts such as the Southern California fire relief campaign (which raised more than $82,000) and the Texas floods disaster relief campaign (which raised over $14,000). Collectively in its inaugural year, Giving Pathways has raised $373,892 in 2025.
Employees who participated in the campaign cited a variety of motivations for giving, from supporting health and medical organizations to championing environmental causes. As one employee shared, "I give because my dollar goes further with HOME, allowing me to make a bigger difference." Another noted, "I love supporting causes I'm passionate about, especially nonprofits that have helped me during hard times."
The success of the Open Match Giving Campaign demonstrates the power of collective generosity and the impact of matching programs in amplifying employee contributions. By providing flexible, year-round opportunities to give, LLNL is building on its 50-year tradition of philanthropy through the HOME Campaign and fostering a culture of giving across the Lab community.
