Community Engagement and Investment

As a global leader in technology, Microsoft has an opportunity and a responsibility to apply its expertise in software to helping people, particularly people in underserved communities. Microsoft Community Affairs programs seek to reach underserved communities with the knowledge and tools they need to use software to improve people's lives, solve problems, and enable economic growth.

Microsoft partners include local governments, schools, nongovernmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Working together, we identify areas where our resources and expertise can be applied to address local needs. These partnerships are founded on a mutual commitment to creating sustainable technology solutions that make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

In Europe, Microsoft Community Affairs engagement comprises several complementary programs that promote digital inclusion through ICT skills training, access to affordable technology, and capacity building for nongovernmental organizations. These programs are supported by financial grants, software and curriculum donations, and employee volunteering.

Programs

Microsoft Unlimited Potential–Community Technology Skills Program

The Community Technology Skills Program—in partnership with governments, nonprofits, and nongovernmental organizations—promotes IT skills training programs that enable young people and adults to realize their full potential. By learning how to use computers, unemployed people can gain skills to help them re-enter the workforce, and small-business entrepreneurs can make their businesses more successful. Through cash grants, software donations, technology solutions, and specialized curriculum, the program supports community technology centers throughout Europe.

Nongovernmental Organization Capacity Building

Microsoft is working with nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations to help them address their technology needs. To enable organizations to extend their outreach and benefit more people, Microsoft provides the organizations with the resources that they need to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Through the program, nongovernmental organizations receive donated software that they can use to upgrade existing software, install new software on their computers, or install on refurbished computers. Microsoft also acts as a consultant to advise nonprofit organizations on how to apply technology, through NGO Days and employee volunteers.

Employee Engagement

Microsoft works to mobilize the skills, knowledge, and volunteer time of its employees to help achieve a shared vision of creating social and economic opportunities in communities across Europe. Microsoft encourages employees to get involved in their own neighborhoods, and the company makes it easy for employees to volunteer their time to work on community projects. In most European subsidiaries, full-time employees can take three days of paid volunteer leave each year. Microsoft employees are often on the front lines in times of crisis, giving help wherever it's needed and devising ways to use technology to aid relief efforts.

Software Donations and Community MAR

The Microsoft Software Donation program includes community software donations, strategic grants to use ICT at a deeper level, and TechSoup Global, a partner program that enables nongovernmental organizations to seek software donations. In addition, the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program provides partner refurbishing companies with affordable Microsoft software to install on second-life personal computers that are donated to schools, nongovernmental organizations, and charities. Digital Pipeline helps organizations donate used computers to be refurbished and put to work in communities around the world.

Grant Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

Interested organizations can review the eligibility requirements for the Microsoft Unlimited Potential–Community Technology Skills Program, as well as for the Microsoft Software Donations program.

Application Process

If your organization meets the eligibility requirements for Microsoft giving programs, follow the application process to apply.

Local Contacts

Microsoft accepts funding proposals from eligible organizations through Microsoft subsidiary offices located around the world. To find out how and when proposals are accepted in each subsidiary, or to apply for a grant from Microsoft, contact the Microsoft subsidiary nearest you.