Like many of you, I have been heartbroken to watch recent events unfold, demonstrating the abhorrent and unjust treatment of members of the Black community in the US. At Squarespace, we believe in the power of individuals to make great things -- and we also believe in the power of individuals to make great change. It is all of our responsibility to take action to dismantle the systems of oppression and racism, and today I am sharing Squarespace’s long-term commitment to do more.
Squarespace will start by donating $500,000 to organizations working towards social justice reform and alleviating racial inequality in the US. Our first donation will be in the amount of $100,000 and the remaining funds will be donated over the next 3 years. To decide where we will be donating, we are researching both the underlying needs of the organizations as well as their infrastructure to decide where our money will go the furthest. We will build partnerships with organizations that we get involved with, through volunteerism and other opportunities, and we will continue to match employee donations made using our donation-matching platform, Bright Funds.
Our platform is home to incredible changemakers working to educate others and make a difference in the world, and we have the opportunity to help amplify their missions. We are going to continue to make it a priority to promote and provide visibility for Black creators that use Squarespace, as well as customers using their causes, voices and platforms to enact change.
For our team, this is an incredibly difficult and emotional time for many, especially our Black colleagues. We recognize that we cannot focus on outward change without first looking inward. Squarespace must be a place where all can thrive and achieve their full potential, without bias and other systemic unfair processes that hinder success. We will continue to work to build and expand programs designed to further D&I at Squarespace in a number of key areas that include broadly implementing our unconscious bias education program and improving diversity in leadership roles.
The change we all need to see won’t happen overnight. These issues are systemic and deeply rooted, and it will take a committed and concerted effort. We pledge to support and stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, customers, and communities for the long haul.
Anthony Casalena
Founder & CEO, Squarespace