Amplifying impact: How F5ers are changing lives through volunteerism and community grants

Carina WeyerDirector, F5 Global Good | F5

At F5, we believe in celebrating and amplifying the passions and the volunteerism of F5ers in our communities. The F5 Community Impact Grant program was established to recognize employees for their selfless contributions and enhance their impact by providing unrestricted grants to nonprofits where F5ers are driving meaningful change. This program has illuminated the incredible volunteerism of F5ers worldwide—showcasing how they devote their time, talents, and energy to causes such as education, mentorship, and strengthening community connections.

Since its launch in 2020, the program has amplified the impact of F5ers' volunteer efforts by providing additional financial support to the nonprofit organizations where they are already dedicating their time and skills. Each quarter, F5 awards $5,000 grants to five nonprofit organizations nominated by employees, supporting causes that reflect the diverse passions and commitments of F5ers around the world.

At its heart, the program is driven by people. The grant selection committee is composed of F5 employees—individuals who have themselves earned these grants through their volunteer work. Their firsthand experience and understanding of the dedication it takes to serve their communities contribute to an authentic process of recognition and support.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on four F5ers whose volunteer work supports young people, families and communities around the world—from creating opportunities in music and STEM to helping children facing cancer stay connected and strengthening sustainable community development. Their stories demonstrate how the Community Impact Grant program helps strengthen the nonprofits our employees care about—and the communities these organizations serve. Across all the stories, one thing is evident: empowering employees to support the causes they care about creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond F5.

Since the program’s inception, F5 is proud to have provided $675,000 in grants to recognize the volunteerism of our employees and support the causes most meaningful to them. Many of these grants have gone to small, entirely volunteer-led organizations, where even modest funding can make a significant difference. Providing this support is one meaningful way we celebrate the dedication of F5ers while helping expand the positive impact they have on communities worldwide.

Helping communities go further

Carl Berry

Director, Channel Sales

United Kingdom

Where I volunteer: Go Make a Difference in Tanzania (Go MAD), a nonprofit that works alongside communities in the Musoma region of Tanzania to deliver sustainable projects and create long-term opportunities. In 2023, my family and I volunteered with Go MAD in Tanzania, and supporting the organization has since become something that means a great deal to our whole family.

Why this cause is important to me: Our time in Tanzania showed us that relatively small amounts of funding, when invested well and alongside local communities, can make an enormous difference. What impressed me most was the charity’s focus on creating sustainable opportunities rather than short-term solutions. I’m proud that volunteering with Go MAD enabled me to nominate them for an F5 Community Impact Grant and help support their continued growth.

The impact the nonprofit says the grant will make: “The F5 grant contributed toward the purchase of two Land Rovers, alongside other fundraising support. These vehicles are essential for transporting volunteers, staff, equipment, and materials safely between our accommodations and remote project locations. They will support our work for many years to come, helping us reach more communities and deliver lasting impact. We are hugely grateful to F5 and Carl for helping make that possible.”

Creating a stage for student musicians

Madi Hunt

Software Development Engineer II

United States

Where I volunteer: Ridgeline Band Boosters, which supports more than 200 students ages 11–18 in the Liberty Lake, Washington, area. I volunteer as a percussion instructor and grant writer.

Why this cause is important to me: Music was a cornerstone to my development as a young person, and I can’t imagine not doing everything I can to foster that environment for the students of my community. I get to watch these young musicians grow from sixth grade onward, not only as percussionists, but as people, too. They learn to embody our organizational goals of belong, inspire, and grow, three pillars on which we focus our teaching to foster community from within, and I am so privileged to be along for the ride!”

The impact the nonprofit says the grant will make: “With this grant, we were able to provide transportation, lodging, and food for a student performance in Portland, Oregon. Our students were able to compete at a Winter Guard International Percussion circuit show where they showcased their musical talents to a broader community of supporters. This opportunity provides a place for our students to be front and center as percussionists, sharing their growth and talents with the greater Pacific Northwest music community.”

Building future STEM leaders

Erik Darzins

Senior Software Engineer

United States

Where I volunteer: Brute Force, the robotics team at DSST Montview High School in Denver, Colorado. I serve as head coach of the team and executive director of the nonprofit organization.

Why this cause is important to me: Technology is a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth, and this team is working to create the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technical leaders. Although the actual competitions are the most visible result of FIRST Robotics, the journey that the mentors and students take together is the most enduring and valuable. As a team, we enter these competitions together, teaching students the importance of community and working together, all while building crucial life skills.

The impact the nonprofit says the grant will make: “F5’s support helped to cover expenses for materials, tools, and travel—allowing us to extend this opportunity to 30 to 50 students per season.”

Keeping young patients connected

Philippe Cloup

EMEA Senior Solutions Architect

France

Where I volunteer: Association Laurette Fugain, a France-based nonprofit supporting people affected by leukemia and other blood cancers through patient and family programs, awareness efforts, bone marrow donor recruitment, and research funding. I serve on the organization’s board and support events, fundraising, and awareness initiatives.

Why this cause is important to me: “My connection to Association Laurette Fugain is deeply personal. My wife was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016 and passed away in 2021 after five years of treatments, including chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. Since then, I’ve dedicated more of my time to helping people facing the same disease—whether that means raising awareness, encouraging young people to join the bone marrow donor registry, or supporting patients and families through an incredibly difficult time.”

The impact the nonprofit says the grant will make: “The F5 Community Impact Grant is helping children undergoing leukemia treatment stay connected to the world outside their hospital rooms. The funding supported tablets for young patients and small telepresence robots that can be placed in their classrooms, allowing them to listen, speak, interact with classmates, and remain part of their school community even while receiving treatment in isolation. Helping a child stay connected, engaged, and smiling during treatment can make an enormous difference.”

To learn more, please visit the F5 Global Good webpage.

About the Author

Carina WeyerDirector, F5 Global Good | F5

More blogs by Carina Weyer