Disaster Relief Efforts

Published: May 14, 2004 | Updated: February 26, 2006

Microsoft has responded to crises around the world by donating technology resources and providing expertise to aid humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. In addition, our employees also utilize the corporate matching program to support relief efforts.

Our company has donated cash to various international relief and development agencies to assist with disaster relief efforts around the world. We have also responded to several complex humanitarian emergencies and global crises over the last decade through donations of cash, software, technology assistance, and volunteers in close partnership with some of the world's leading nonprofit organizations.

Specific examples of our relief efforts include:

• NetHope. Microsoft is donating $41 million in software and cash to NetHope and the Interagency Working Group on Emergency Capacity Building (ECB). This grant is intended to enable efficient and rapid communications among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during times of crises when speed, collaboration, and efficiency can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
• Hurricane Katrina. Microsoft and its employees committed more than $11 million in cash contributions and technology solutions to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Microsoft made a corporate donation of more than $1 million to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts—including $500,000 to the American Red Cross, $350,000 to the Governor’s Funds in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama, and $200,000 to America’s Second Harvest—and another $1 million for recovery and rebuilding. Our employees raised more than $1.7 million, and Microsoft matched those contributions. Microsoft has committed another $5 million in software donations, technology solutions, and services to the relief efforts.
• Tsunami response. In December 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami took the lives of thousands of people and destroyed countless communities. Our company and our employees donated $7.6 million in relief assistance to indigenous relief agencies and international relief efforts. We also provided technology assistance to improve the effectiveness of relief operations in remote communities.
• September 11. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Microsoft augmented its corporate and employee donations with technical assistance and support to address both the immediate crises and long-term rebuilding projects in the affected areas. Microsoft Community Affairs developed database solutions for the United Way, Red Cross, and other nonprofit groups serving the affected communities. By pulling together resources from all over the company and coordinating with its partners, Microsoft was able to help hundreds of organizations quickly restore their technology infrastructure and get back to work.

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