Community Engagement & Investment

Nongovernmental Organization Capacity Building

In an effort to strengthen and support the nonprofit community, Microsoft is involved with several programs designed to bring the power of technology to nonprofit organizations around the world. By providing technology assistance, expertise, and resources, Microsoft is working to help nonprofits manage their operations and serve their clients efficiently and effectively.

In addition, Microsoft participates in several programs that enable nongovernmental organizations to acquire Microsoft software at no charge or at a significant discount. Microsoft enables access to hardware for eligible nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and the communities they serve.

NPower

In 1999, Microsoft helped fund the creation of the nonprofit organization NPower to provide the nonprofit community in Puget Sound, Washington, with technology assistance services, including consulting, training, and volunteer matching. Microsoft has since sponsored the establishment of 12 affiliates that serve New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other U.S. cities.

TechSoup

In partnership with TechSoup, Microsoft makes donated software available to nonprofit organizations around the world. TechSoup enhances Microsoft software donations with localized technology support, content, and resources that help nongovernmental organizations successfully adopt tools they can use to better serve their communities. TechSoup partners with 20 additional corporate giving programs (including Cisco, Symantec, Hewlett-Packard, and Adobe) to create a one-stop shop for technology donations for nongovernmental organizations. Through partnerships with local nongovernmental organizations, TechSoup helps Microsoft reach more than 35,000 nongovernmental organizations annually with more than $300 million in software. TechSoup's global program is currently expanding and will be available in as many as 40 countries by the end of 2009.

telecentre.org

Telecentre.org is a collaborative initiative that connects telecenters, networks, innovators, social investors, and other interested groups who believe that information and communications technology, used locally, strengthens individuals and the communities in which they live.

Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program

The Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program helps schools, nongovernmental organizations, and the communities that they serve gain access to low-cost computers. Since its launch in 2004, the Community MAR program has provided more than 400,000 low-cost licenses through 1,000 refurbishers in 67 countries. These refurbishers supply refurbished, high-quality computers to nongovernmental organizations and school programs in more than 130 countries/regions at little to no cost to the recipient organizations.