Community Giving

Summary

Big Ideas Lab: Community Giving at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Episode: Community Giving
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Mission.org

Introduction: Beyond Scientific Breakthroughs

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is globally recognized for its cutting-edge research in areas ranging from fusion ignition to national security. However, behind its scientific achievements lies a profound commitment to community giving and human connection. In this episode of Big Ideas Lab, host Mission.org delves into the heartwarming narrative of LLNL’s philanthropic endeavors, showcasing how the lab's spirit of generosity fosters meaningful change within local communities.

The Spirit of Giving at LLNL

From its inception in the early 1950s, LLNL has integrated philanthropy into its core operations. Initially focused solely on scientific innovation and national security, the laboratory expanded its outreach as it grew. Informal partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and public agencies eventually evolved into structured programs aimed at advancing education, workforce development, and social services.

Trey Johnston, Director of LLNL's Corporate Offices, emphasizes the internal unawareness of these initiatives among LLNL's 9,000 employees:

“[...] I'm betting a bunch of people at the laboratory don't know much about the program, so maybe this podcast will really help them understand more.”
(00:23)

The Community Gift Program: Empowering Local Education and Organizations

One of LLNL’s cornerstone initiatives is the Community Gift Program, launched in 2010. This program allocates $220,000 annually to support K-12 schools and community organizations, providing essential tools and resources to empower students and educators.

Trey Johnston elaborates on the program's genesis and evolution:

“The laboratory is run by the Board of Governors, which are the four parent company's officials who advise the director on community and laboratory operations. And one of the things that they decided to put in place was the Community Gift Program... we put that in place in 2010 to provide STEM and STEAM [...] availability for the community.”
(04:22)

Initially focused on STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) initiatives, the program has since broadened its scope to address the evolving needs of the community, particularly in technology access.

Adapting to Technological Needs

As technology becomes increasingly integral to education and daily life, the Community Gift Program has adapted to meet these demands. However, challenges arise in balancing the provision of necessary tools with budget constraints.

Trey Johnston discusses the complexities of accommodating technological requests:

“We're getting more and more requests for electronics [...] but we're trying to push them into things that they can't get from other grants or other areas out here.”
(05:30)

While items like 3D printers are supported, more widely available devices such as iPads are limited to ensure funds are allocated to less accessible resources.

Funding and External Support

LLNL's philanthropic funding chiefly comes from a management fee earned through its federal contract with the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. This funding supports a diverse array of initiatives, including:

• Bay Area Rescue Mission: Providing essential resources for homeless women and children.
• Children's Museum of Stockton: Supporting hands-on STEM experiences.
• Children Rising: Empowering students in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods.

Trey Johnston reflects on the fulfillment derived from these contributions:

“It's just a really nice, warm, fuzzy feeling and that we're doing the right thing.”
(06:26)

Employee-Driven Philanthropy: The Home Campaign

A significant aspect of LLNL’s culture of giving is the Home Campaign, an employee-driven initiative that has been pivotal for over five decades. Managed by Kelly Glaser, the Home Campaign allows LLNL employees to donate to a wide range of nonprofit organizations, with LLNS (Lawrence Livermore National Security) matching employee donations.

Kelly Glaser highlights the campaign's impact:

“Over the past 50 years, the Home Campaign has become the largest charitable giving event and has raised over $82 million to date, which is pretty amazing.”
(09:20)

The campaign covers approximately 1,500 unique charities annually, supporting community projects, disaster relief, healthcare initiatives, education programs, and more.

Kelly Glaser further explains the employee-centric approach:

“That's actually the nice thing about our Home Campaign is it's employee driven, so employees are allowed to choose any 501(c)(3) that they're passionate about...”
(10:18)

This flexibility ensures that donations are aligned with employees' personal passions and community needs.

Building a Culture of Empathy and Connection

Incorporating giving and volunteerism into the workplace fosters a culture of empathy and connection. Kelly Glaser emphasizes the personal and professional benefits of such initiatives:

“When employees feel that they are contributing to something greater than themselves, I feel like it really fosters a sense of belonging and fulfillment.”
(11:26)

This sense of purpose leads to happier, more engaged employees who can better balance work and life demands.

Challenges and Strategic Growth

While LLNL’s philanthropic efforts are extensive, they are not without challenges. Balancing employee participation, managing diverse funding requests, and ensuring resources are directed to impactful projects require continuous strategic planning.

Kelly Glaser points out the focus beyond mere monetary goals:

“It's not always a money goal. It's really employee participation...”
(13:18)

Looking ahead, Trey Johnston expresses optimism about the program's future:

“It's a great program and we hope that it keeps going. Our contract with the government has just been extended till 2031.”
(13:41)

This extension ensures sustained support for community initiatives in the years to come.

Personal Fulfillment and Community Impact

For those overseeing these programs, the personal rewards are profound. Kelly Glaser integrates her role with her belief in holistic wellness:

“...a program manager for Work-Life Balance [...] a natural extension of her belief in holistic wellness encompassing mind, body, and spirit.”
(09:29 - 11:53)

Meanwhile, Trey Johnston shares the joy derived from community interactions:

“They've invited us to come to their schools and they want to meet us... we feel like it's doing what it's supposed to do, making a difference in the community.”
(12:32)

Conclusion: A Legacy of Generosity

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory exemplifies how scientific excellence can coexist with a deep-seated commitment to community welfare. Through programs like the Community Gift Program and the Home Campaign, LLNL not only advances national security and scientific frontiers but also fosters meaningful change within its local communities. These initiatives reinforce a shared commitment to generosity, empathy, and the collective pursuit of a better future.

For more information on LLNL’s community initiatives and career opportunities, visit llnl.gov/community or explore current job openings at llnl.gov/careers.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Community Giving" episode of Big Ideas Lab, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.

Transcript

[Host]

From fusion ignition to the nuclear stockpile, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is known around the world for its cutting edge research, national security contributions, and scientific breakthroughs. But there's one thing that most of us haven't seen in the headlines. A different story woven into the fabric of the lab.

[Trey Johnston]

I'll bet you a bunch of people at the laboratory the 9,000 people we have don't know much about the program, so maybe this podcast will really help them understand more.

[Host]

A parallel kind of energy exists within the lab, one powered by the spirit of giving, human connection, and heartfelt generosity. Because for many at the lab, the work doesn't stop at the edge of a project. Today we're turning our focus to that story about community and the ties that bind us together. Welcome to the Big Ideas Lab, your weekly exploration inside Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Hear untold stories, meet boundary pushing pioneers, and get unparalleled access inside the gates. From national security challenges to computing revolutions, discover the innovations that are shaping tomorrow. Today, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is opening its doors to a new wave of talent. If you're driven by curiosity and a desire to solve complex challenges, the Lab has a job opening for you. Currently, there are 139 open positions. These include opportunities in science, engineering, business administration, and the skilled trades. From enhancing national security to pioneering new energy sources and advancing scientific frontiers, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is where you can make your mark on the world. Today's open roles lead power grid engineer, laser modeling, physicist, postdoctoral researcher, OCEC program leader, and chief data architect. But the list doesn't end there. Explore all available [e-mail] careers each opportunity comes with a comprehensive benefits package tailored to your lifestyle and future. Join a workplace that champions professional growth, fosters collaboration, inspires innovation, and drives the pursuit of excellence. If you are ready to contribute to work that matters, visit LLNL to explore all the current job listings. That's llnl.govcareers. your expertise could very well be the highlight of our next podcast interview. Don't wait Philanthropy has been woven into Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's culture since its founding in the early 1950s. In the early days, the lab's efforts were tightly focused on scientific innovation and national security. And as the lab grew, so did its heart. Informal partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and public agencies evolved into structured programs dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, and social services. These programs range from a diverse $1.3 million matching fund that supports employee donations to their chosen 501c3 charities to to more focused initiatives like the Community Gift Program the Community Gift Program is a key initiative which provides direct funding to local schools and nonprofit organizations. The program launched in 2010 and distributes $220,000 annually to support K12 schools and community organizations, empowering students and educators with tools to thrive. Trey Johnston is the director of Lawrence Livermore's corporate offices.

[Trey Johnston]

The laboratory is run by the Board of Governors, which are the four parent company's officials who advise the director on community and laboratory operations. And one of the things that they decided to put in place was the Community Gift Program, and we put that in place in 2010 to provide stem and STEAM science, technology, engineering, math and arts availability for the community. So this program has been in effect for 15 years now. It's a volunteer program that we offer to the community. Because we're the lab, we do focus a lot on stem.

[Host]

The program has evolved to meet the growing needs of local organizations and schools. What started as a commitment to supporting STEM and STEAM initiatives has expanded, reaching more communities and providing greater opportunities. As the program continues to grow, the focus is shifting toward adapting to evolving needs, especially when it comes to technology.

[Trey Johnston]

We're getting to a world now where computers and iPads and laptops are a lot cheaper and a lot easier to obtain. And so right now they're not allowable in our program because they're kind of easy to walk away with. But we're realizing we're getting more and more requests for electronics and things like that that the world's operating on right Now. We allow 3D printers, but we don't allow iPads or anything like that. You've got to weigh the value of what you're giving them with how much you've got available to give them. And we all know that an iPad can take up a lot of the money that we have available for them. So we're trying to push them into things that they can't get from other grants or other areas out here.

[Host]

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory receives grant funding through a management fee earned from its federal contract with the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

[Trey Johnston]

It's just a really nice, warm, fuzzy feeling and that we're doing the right thing.

[Host]

This funding supports a diverse range of initiatives like providing essential resources for homeless women and children through the Bay Area Rescue Mission, supporting Hands on STEM experience at the Children's Museum of Stockton, and empowering students in Oakland's lowest income neighborhoods through organizations like Children Rising. At its core, science is about curiosity and problem solving. The same mindset drives the lab's culture of giving, identifying where there's a need and finding ways to help.

[Trey Johnston]

We have given to the Alameda County Foster Parent association, the Bay Area Rescue Mission, the Children's Museum in Stockton, the curious five that promotes K 12 grade students for STEM learning, the Down Syndrome Connection in the Bay Area, several of the high schools, the East Bay Holocaust Education Center. We give a lot to high schools for robotics and for drone work because those are really high profile for the schools and for the laboratory.

[Host]

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory invites you to join a diverse team of professionals the Lab is currently hiring for a lead power grid engineer, a laser modeling physicist, postdoctoral researcher, an OCEC program leader, a chief Data Architect and 139 other positions for scientists and engineers, IT experts, administrative and business professionals, welders and more. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, your contributions are not just jobs, they're a chance to make an impact. From strengthening US Security to leading the charge in revolutionary energy solutions and expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge, the Lab values collaboration, innovation and excellence, offering a supportive workspace and comprehensive benefits to ensure your well being and secure your future. Seize the opportunity to help solve something monumental. Dive into the wide variety of job [e-mail] careers. This is your chance to join a team dedicated to a mission that matters. That's llnl.govcareers. your expertise might just be the spotlight in our next podcast interview. Don't delay the Lab's commitment to giving back extends beyond predefined contributions. The Home Campaign is an employee driven initiative that has been a cornerstone of the Lab's charitable efforts for decades.

[Kelly Glaser]

Over the past 50 years, the home campaign has become the largest charitable giving event and has raised over $82 million to date, which is pretty amazing.

[Host]

Kelly Glaser is the Home Program Manager.

[Kelly Glaser]

The Home Campaign is helping others more effectively and it's the annual charitable giving campaign organized by Lawrence Livermore National Lab. It allows employees to donate to a wide range of nonprofit organizations, with a portion of their donations being matched by our managing contractor, Lawrence Livermore National Security, also known as lyns.

[Host]

For five decades, the Home Campaign has empowered Lawrence Livermore employees to give back in a meaningful way. Employees have the opportunity to support causes close to their hearts while knowing their contributions are amplified through matching funds provided by Lens. Both science and giving are driven by hope. Hope that what you're working on today will make a difference tomorrow.

[Kelly Glaser]

That's actually the nice thing about our Home Campaign is it's employee driven, so employees are allowed to choose any 501 that they're passionate about, and they get to choose what charity they want to donate to, and then the lab will match that donation each year.

[Host]

Lens provides $1.3 million in matching funds. Unlike traditional corporate giving programs, the home campaign offers employees the flexibility to choose where their donations go, whether to a national nonprofit, a grassroots initiative, or other meaningful cause.

[Kelly Glaser]

It's roughly been about 1500 charities, unique charities that we donate per year, and a lot of these nonprofit organizations focused on community projects, disaster reliefs, healthcare initiatives, education programs, and a lot of other things like that.

[Host]

This campaign benefits the charities receiving the funds and strengthens Lawrence Livermore's culture of generosity and shared purpose.

[Kelly Glaser]

The Home Campaign unites us and helps create communities for those that want to give back home.

[Host]

Behind every initiative are real stories of impact.

[Kelly Glaser]

Incorporating giving and volunteerism into the workplace creates a culture of empathy and connection, which are essential components to really creating a supportive environment. When employees feel that they are contributing to something greater than themselves, I feel like it really fosters a sense of belonging and fulfillment. And this in turn leads to happier, more engaged employees who are better equipped to balance the demands of work and life.

[Host]

Kelly was a program manager for Work Life Balance at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for eight years before stepping into the charitable giving program manager role. She sees her current role as a natural extension of her belief in holistic wellness encompassing mind, body and spirit. For Trey, overseeing the community gift program is a source of pride and fulfillment. Knowing that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is making a lasting impact on local schools and organizations, what motivates us all to.

[Trey Johnston]

Do it is the joy you get from knowing that you're giving back to the community.

[Host]

Beyond financial support, the relationships built with local schools and organizations are a rewarding part of the program.

[Trey Johnston]

They've invited us to come to their schools and they want to meet us and they will send us videotapes of their competitions and we get Christmas cards from them and little thank you notes from the elementary schools with all their little signatures on it that we've got hung up in our office downtown. We feel like it's doing what it's supposed to do, making a difference in the community.

[Host]

In the Tri Valley, like any initiative, challenges arise. At Lawrence Livermore, the team continuously works to boost employee, participants participation, balance funding requests, and ensure resources are directed to the most impactful projects.

[Kelly Glaser]

It's not always a money goal. It's really employee participation. It's people getting involved in home, learning about these charitable giving efforts and starting to give back to our communities. So it's less of a dollar amount per employee, but more of a participation rate that we strive for.

[Host]

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Giving back is a core value that continues to evolve and expand.

[Trey Johnston]

It's a great program and we hope that it keeps going. Our contract with the government has just been extended till 2031. I would imagine that we will keep funding it for these next few years that we're going to be here.

[Host]

Through dedication of its employees and strategic partnerships, the lab's impact reaches beyond scientific achievements to create meaningful change in the community. Community these efforts grow stronger every year with fostering connections, inspiring generosity, and reinforcing a shared commitment to making a difference. Lawrence Livermore's ongoing support ensures the spirit of giving remains an integral part of its identity. For more information, visit llnl.gov community education community giving Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is opening its doors to a new wave of talent. Whether you're a scientist, an IT professional, a welder, an administrative or business professional, or an engineer, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has an opportunity for you. From enhancing national security to pioneering new energy sources and advancing scientific frontiers, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is where you can make your mark on the world. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's culture is rooted in collaboration, innovation and the pursuit of excellence. We offer a work environment that supports your professional growth and a benefits package that looks after your well being and future. Are you ready to contribute to work that matters? Visit llnl.govcareers to explore current job openings and learn more about the application process. Don't miss the chance to be a part of a mission driven team working on projects that make the impossible possible. Visit llnl.govcareers now to view the current job listings. Remember, that's llnl.govcareers. your expertise could be the highlight of our next podcast interview. Don't wait, explore the possibilities today. Thank you for tuning in to Big Ideas Lab. If you loved what you heard, please let us know by leaving a rating and review. And if you haven't already, don't forget to hit the Follow or Subscribe button in your podcast app to keep up with our latest episode. Thanks for listening.