Microsoft Community Affairs administers all of Microsoft's community investment programmes. Founded in 1983, Microsoft Community Affairs was one of the first corporate community investment programmes in the high-tech industry. Today, Microsoft is the largest contributor in the high-tech industry and the third largest among all businesses in the United States. Last year, Microsoft donated more than US$47 million in cash and $363 million in software to non-profit organisations throughout the world.

Ultimately, Microsoft believes that by providing training and tools, it can partner in creating social and economic opportunities that can transform communities and help people realise their potential.

Community Technology Skills Programme

In today's knowledge-based economy, computer literacy has become a vital workplace skill - a skill that millions of people worldwide still lack. Microsoft believes that by working with partners to create relevant training opportunities and innovative tools for people who are underserved by technology, we can help foster social and economic opportunities that change people's lives and transform communities. The Microsoft Unlimited Potential–Community Technology Skills Program is a global effort that promotes workforce development and IT skills training programs in underserved communities. Microsoft provides cash grants, software, and specialized curriculum to nonprofit community technology centers (CTCs) around the world.

	The Community Technology Skills Program provides support for technology skills training, ranging from basic computer literacy to the use of advanced business productivity applications. This training helps individuals learn about technology and gain the skills they need for employment in today's workforce. Microsoft supports these opportunities through donations of cash, software, curriculum, and technical expertise, with a focus on nonprofit CTCs that make IT skills training a priority, enable community members to share the learning experience, and are open and accessible to the public.

Community Technology Skills Programme Components

Community Technology Centres

CTCs are found in locations that range from remote villages to major metropolitan areas. They provide low-cost access for people of all ages and abilities to learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their education, participate in community activities, and develop job-related technology skills. CTCs offer an informal, welcoming environment in community centers, schools, libraries, housing facilities, or other convenient locations.

To date there are over 188 such centres spread over all provinces. Partners in this initiative include Telkom, Universal Service and Access Agency of South Afriva, Government Departments and community-based organisations.

Grants

Through cash grants, software and specialised curriculum, Microsoft supports nonprofit Community Technology Centre’s that make IT skills training a priority, enable community members to share the learning experience, and are open and accessible to the public. Grants help individuals learn about technology and gain the skills they need for employment in today's workforce.For more information please go to:
http://microsoft.cybergrants.com/up

Software Donations

Software donations offer Microsoft an opportunity to provide technology tools that are greatly valued by the NGO community, helping them to enhance the impact of their initiatives in the communities they serve.For more information about Software Donations, please click here

UP Community Learning Curriculum

As part of Microsoft's efforts to promote digital inclusion worldwide, the Unlimited Potential (UP) Community Learning curriculum provides the foundation for teaching basic to intermediate technology skills in a hands-on manner. Designed for use in community technology centres (CTCs) or telecentres, the curriculum aims to help individuals gain critical 21st century workforce skills needed for today's 'knowledge economy' and to broaden digital inclusion. Lessons may be taught in a classroom-style setting, or as part of a self-paced learning programme.For more information about the Unlimited Potential Community Learning Curriculum, please click here

Digital Literacy

The Digital Literacy curriculum is available - at no cost - to eligible educational, non-profit and government organisations through Microsoft programmes such as Unlimited Potential and Partners in Learning. Available in several languages, these e-learning courses and assessments help people learn to use the Internet, send e-mail, create a résumé, and much more. For more information visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/digitalliteracy

IT Capacity Building

Community Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (Community MAR)

The Community Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (Community MAR) programme works with eligible refurbishers to provide genuine Microsoft software on refurbished computers for eligible recipients.

The primary goal of the Community MAR programme is to increase the number of low-cost computers available to eligible charitable organisations, eligible academic users, and other community users. In addition, the Community MAR programme benefits the environment by helping to prevent the premature disposal of computers that could be reused.

To learn more about the program, Visit the Community MAR Program WebSite

Employee Volunteer Program

Microsoft is committed to supporting and encouraging employees to dedicate time and expertise to community development. Through the Employee Volunteer Program, Microsoft aims to offer employees with an additional opportunity for personal and professional development, to apply and develop their skill set through cross-group collaboration, teamwork with colleagues and partners in the community, to expand personal horizons outside the Microsoft environment. Microsoft encourages employees to get involved in their communities and also makes it easy for employees to volunteer their time.

For more information on projects initiated by Microsoft Employees, click here.