Impactfully No. 74: Our Favorite Employers in 2023

The year sure flew by, didn't it? This is our last issue of 2023 – I'm taking a few weeks to recharge and celebrate the holidays with friends and family, and I hope you do the same!

Before we jump into the meat of this week's issue, I just want to thank you for investing your time in social impact and making us a destination for your job search. This was our first full year of the One Work newsletter, and I wouldn't be writing it if you weren't reading it.

We're working on an updated format for 2024, so it's the perfect time to share your thoughts on what you like and what you don't like about the newsletter. Hit that reply button, and let me know what you think!

Without further ado...

I curate a plethora of job opportunities each week, but some employers stick out from the pack. These are some of my favorites from this year – employers with a particularly inspiring mission, creative use of social impact, and innovative products or services. Of course, it wouldn't be a "best of" list without our readers' favorites as well!

In short, if you want to accelerate your social impact job search next year, this list is a great place to start. Let's dive in!

Anthropic – An artificial intelligence company focused on language models and government policies that advance ethical AI.

B Lab – A nonprofit that certifies and supports companies committed to using business as a force for good.

Better World Books – Sells used books online and donates a portion of proceeds to literacy initiatives around the world.

Blueland – Creates eco-friendly cleaning products that are refillable and reduce plastic waste.

Bombas – Donates socks to those in need with every pair of socks purchased.

Catchafire – Connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits to address social challenges.

ChargePoint – Promotes sustainable transportation by providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Crisis Text Line – Offers free, 24/7 crisis counseling via text message.

Coursera – Partners with institutions and organizations to offer online courses and degrees, making education more accessible.

Ello – An EdTech startup using AI to give kids more one-on-one instruction time.

Environmental Incentives – Implements conservation programs in partnership with governments, nonprofits, and universities around the world.

Good Dog – Connects families to shelters and breeders with high ethical standards.

Good Party – Builds tools to help independent candidates get traction in the two-party system.

Gotham Greens – Builds and operates urban farms, providing fresh, local produce and creating jobs in underserved communities.

Greyston Bakery – Employs individuals with barriers to employment, offering job training and opportunities for economic empowerment.

Hopworks Brewery – Produces handcrafted beers with a focus on sustainability and community involvement.

Lemonade – Offers renters and homeowners insurance with a social mission, donating a portion of profits to charities.

Living Carbon – Uses biotechnology to help fight climate change, creating seedlings that can capture more carbon.

The Marshall Project – Conducts investigative journalism about the criminal justice system, promoting transparency and accountability.

Meow Wolf – An art collective that creates large-scale, multimedia installations that combine art, technology, and storytelling.

Misfits Market – Rescues and delivers "ugly" fruits and vegetables, reducing food waste and offering affordable produce options.

Polestar – Designs and manufactures high-performance electric vehicles, accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation.

Project Canary – Tracks greenhouse gas emissions in energy infrastructure to ensure responsible energy development.

Roots Studio – Works with Indigenous communities to digitize their art and make it available for licensing to other companies.

Saalt – Offers reusable menstrual cups and period underwear, reducing waste and providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional products.

Selflessly – Provides a platform where employees can donate their time and skills to causes they care about.

SOURCE – Builds water capture devices that turn the air around us into a stable source of drinking water.

Stok – An ESG and sustainability consulting company that helps other businesses deliver on their sustainability goals, particularly in commercial real estate.

Vera Institute of Justice – Conducts research and advocacy to promote fairer and more effective criminal justice systems.

Watershed – A climate tech company that helps businesses reduce their carbon emissions by making them visible.

Thanks again for joining this small corner of the social impact community this year. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!