Making an Impact: The Relief Efforts in Nepal

By Joe Speicher, Executive Director, Autodesk Foundation

The devastation in Kathmandu this month has been nothing short of heartbreaking. As a global community, we are witnessing both the tragic loss of life and the incredible spirit of resilience. The response has been truly inspiring—governments, corporations, and individuals are coming together to support Nepal in its time of need. The U.S. government has pledged $10 million, telecom companies are offering free calls to and from Nepal, and the U.S. Air Force has deployed over 100 personnel, including specialized urban search-and-rescue teams.

At the Autodesk Foundation, we're always looking for ways to contribute meaningfully. We believe that technology can play a crucial role in disaster relief and recovery. Companies like Google and Facebook are using their platforms to help people check on loved ones, while PayPal is facilitating donations through its massive user base. These efforts show how innovation can be harnessed for good during times of crisis.

But when it comes to rebuilding, especially in places like Kathmandu, the long-term impact of design and construction expertise cannot be overstated. That’s why we focus our support on organizations that align with our mission: improving the built environment through smart, sustainable design.

The Design Opportunity

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Once the immediate needs are met—supplies delivered, temporary shelters set up, and debris cleared—the real challenge begins: rebuilding cities, homes, and businesses in a way that ensures safety and sustainability. Too often, this phase gets overlooked or mismanaged. But there are organizations working tirelessly to change that.

One such organization is Build Change, a nonprofit partner of ours with over a decade of experience in post-disaster reconstruction. They work directly with local governments to develop and enforce seismic building codes, and then train local contractors to build safer structures. Just days after the earthquake, they announced plans to launch a dedicated team in Nepal. Their approach not only rebuilds buildings—it builds communities that are more resilient for the future.

How You Can Help

People around the world want to help, and many have asked us how they can make a real difference. Here are a few impactful ways you can contribute:

  1. Donate to Build Change – This is one of the most effective ways to ensure lasting, safe rebuilding in Nepal. Your donation will go directly toward creating structures that protect lives for years to come.
  2. Support the Creative Market Community – For the entire month of May, nearly 500 shops on Creative Market are donating up to 100% of their earnings to Nepal relief efforts. With the support of the Autodesk Foundation, Creative Market will match the first $20,000 in donations. All funds will go to All Hands, a nonprofit focused on both immediate and long-term recovery. Learn more on their blog.
  3. Share Photos from the Pixlr Challenge – Through the Autodesk Foundation’s support, Pixlr is donating $20,000 to Build Change. Additionally, a special challenge in early May encouraged users to share photos with the theme “Message for Nepal.” It’s a great way to spread awareness and support. Visit the Pixlr blog for details.

Autodesk is deeply committed to supporting Nepal’s recovery. From our partnerships with organizations like Build Change to the personal efforts of our employees who are volunteering and fundraising, we’re doing everything we can to help. Natural disasters are an unfortunate reality, but by investing in smarter, safer design, we can help protect future generations.

Together, we can make a lasting difference—not just in Nepal, but in the way we prepare for and respond to disasters around the world. Let’s build a better, more resilient future, one structure at a time.

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