Community Engagement & Investment
Microsoft Grants and Programs in Puget SoundThe majority of Microsoft employees and their families make their homes in the Puget Sound region of Washington. Microsoft believes it has both an opportunity and a responsibility to support the work of local nonprofits and to encourage employee investment and volunteering in the community. In addition, Microsoft believes that a thriving arts and cultural scene, a network of human services providers, and a world-class education system are important to maintaining the vitality and attractiveness of Puget Sound. A substantial part of Microsoft charitable giving is determined by Microsoft employees, whose financial and volunteer time contributions are matched by the company dollar for dollar, up to US$12,000 per employee each year. On This PageMicrosoft Math Partnership in Puget SoundSound Community Fund Human Services Arts and Culture Civic Microsoft Math Partnership in Puget SoundAs a major player in the world economy and software industry, Microsoft is aware of the increasingly important role that advanced math and science play in today’s knowledge economy. The Microsoft Math Partnership helps students improve their academic performance and participation in math and science. The initiative is a multiyear, multifaceted commitment designed, implemented, and evaluated by public-private partnerships. It focuses on improving teaching preparation and raising student achievement in mathematics and science in middle schools in Puget Sound. Proficiency in algebra is the core performance metric, but secondary and post-secondary student participation and achievement in math, science, and technology is the ultimate goal.
Sound Community FundThe Sound Community Fund contributions to nonprofit organizations in King County, Washington, include direct grants of cash and software, as well as Microsoft matching employee gifts of cash, volunteer time, and products. The Sound Community Fund addresses needs in human services, arts and culture, and civic affairs.
Human ServicesMicrosoft nonprofit partners in human services are eligible for unrestricted operating and capital grants focused on assisting people in moving toward self-sufficiency. Grants support centers that provide comprehensive services to a broad range of people in need. These centers include the following:
Microsoft does not partner with health-care organizations, but many nonprofit partners provide access to health care. Microsoft human services partners include Hopelink, Northwest Harvest, Plymouth Housing Group, the YMCA, and the YWCA.
Arts and CultureMicrosoft funding for arts and culture supports visual, literary, and performing arts, as well as cultural organizations such as science and history museums. A significant portion of the Microsoft arts funding is directed through ArtsFund. Through ArtsFund, Microsoft supports more than 70 arts agencies in King County. Cultural organizations that do not qualify for ArtsFund support but do meet Microsoft guidelines are welcome to apply for unrestricted operating or capital grants. Cultural organization recipients include Woodland Park Zoo, Pacific Science Center, the Burke Museum, public radio and television, and the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas.
CivicMicrosoft civic funding supports organizations and projects that promote civic engagement, voter registration, and public policy education. These funds primarily provide operating support for activities such as the following:
Particular focus is given to organizations that are using technology to promote these purposes. Microsoft nonprofit partners include the World Affairs Council Global Classroom Program, 4-H Know Your Government, Business Week, Youth and Government, and Distributive Education Clubs of America.
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