Microsoft Corporation Contributions Program
Contact information:
1 Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
Phone: 425-706-8185
Website: http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/en-us/
Type of foundation: Corporate
Types of grants: Operating, capital, software donations, training, competitions.
Description: Microsoft makes donations to a broad array of nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and around the world. Microsoft provides support to communities in three ways: technology skills training, strengthening nonprofit organizations through technology, and employee engagement. Much of Microsoft’s giving is done through its Unlimited Potential program, the goal of which is to provide an additional one billion people with access to the benefits of technology by 2015. Through this program, Microsoft makes contributions in the areas of:
- Education: Microsoft supports teacher training programs, use of innovative technology in education, peer coaching, and teaching and learning research.
- Workforce development: Microsoft makes cash and software donations through its Community Technology Skills Program, which is designed to create relevant training opportunities and innovative tools for people who are underserved by technology. Microsoft also supports Community Technology Centers (CTCs), operated by non-profit organizations, that provide people of all ages and abilities free or low-cost access to resources that enable them to learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their education, participate in community activities and develop job-related technology skills. CTCs may be established in community centers, schools, libraries, housing facilities, radio stations and other locations. Microsoft has created curricula that can be used by CTCs. Microsoft’s Elevate America also provides job skills training and IT certifications, this time focused specifically on helping people (e.g., veterans, entrepreneurs, current employees, unemployed) find new or better employment.
- Innovation: Microsoft coordinates the Imagine Cup, an international youth technology innovation competition. Microsoft also supports business start-ups with technology and training.
Microsoft also has a Washington State giving program through which it makes grants in support of improving public education, improving transportation infrastructure, promoting a healthy business climate, and enhancing quality of life (including public radio and television).
In FY2011, Microsoft is reviewing and defining its next generation of Corporate Citizenship Activities. It anticipates that giving priorities will include expanding the impact of its products and services to address issues including education inequalities and sustainable economic growth.
Microsoft software donations are made through TechSoup. In August 2011, the company announced changes to its software donation program, including an increase in the allotment of different Microsoft software products that can be requested by each nonprofit from six to 10 titles, enabling nonprofit organizations to get the software they need such as Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft Sharepoint 2010.
Sample grants:
- Microsoft is a major supporter of KUOW (cash, software and board participation).
- Microsoft worked with KEXP to move its media infrastructure to the cloud, enabling the station to develop new ways to build and engage its audience (2010).
- Microsoft gives globally and has supported community radio internationally. For example, as part of its support for UNESCO’s Community Multimedia Centers (CMCs) in Senegal, Mali and Mozambique, Microsoft provided support to upgrade community radio facilities and provide computers, training and multimedia curricula. The centers also function as vocational training hubs for awareness campaigns, with a specific focus on female empowerment. Microsoft noted that "In many communities, the community radio station is a vital and informative source of news and knowledge on a diverse range of topics, including health, market prices, safety, and education. It has also helped increase the technical and teaching skills for community-level trainers."
Microsoft makes major and sustained donations to a number of major organizational partners including Boys and Girls Clubs of America, NetHope, Clinton Global Initiative, NPower and United Nations agencies. A list of 2010 grant recipients is available here.
Fit for Public Media: Outside of Washington state, the most likely fit for public media is in software donations or in community technology training. Stations that have the interest/capacity to implement technology training programs, especially serving low-income populations, might have success in securing Microsoft support. This would likely be particularly appropriate for stations that are located in large urban areas, in rural areas, or that serve racial/ethnic minority populations.
Eligibility: Microsoft donations are available to nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) designation and to public libraries. Some educational institutions are not eligible for software donations.
Deadline: None found.
How to apply: Software donations are made through TechSoup. For application information, click here.
Giving range: Very little information was found on actual grant amounts.
Assets: Information not available.
Total giving: $99 million in cash donations and $504 million in software donations (FY2010). The cash amount includes matches to employee donations. Over the past few years, Microsoft’s software donations have grown substantially, but cash donations have declined.
View 2010 Corporate Citizenship Report here.
