PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Funding that helps meet real needs
As nonprofits face rising costs, growing demand, and greater pressure on resources, Microsoft launched Community-First Grants to provide additional funding for projects that might otherwise be delayed or out of reach. This fall, the program will award 25 grants of $20,000 to eligible King County nonprofits that were not receiving Microsoft grant funding. Grants help organizations launch, expand, improve, or complete projects that support the services, spaces, and opportunities our communities rely on. Applications are closed. Thank you to every King County nonprofit that applied. Grant recipients will be announced in November.
MICROSOFT IN WASHINGTON
Building on a long-standing commitment
Community-First Grants builds on Microsoft’s decades-long philanthropic commitment to Washington, including $1.9 billion in lifetime giving from Microsoft and its employees to nearly 13,000 nonprofits. The program creates another way to support the organizations, services, and community institutions that help our region thrive.
Four focus areas for stronger communities
Cycle 1 grants of $20,000 each are helping 25 King County nonprofits act on immediate needs and opportunities, moving forward projects that might otherwise have been delayed or out of reach.
Together, these projects span four focus areas that strengthen our communities:
- Civic Life – supporting connection, participation and vibrant community spaces
- Education & Workforce Development – expanding learning, skills and pathways to opportunity
- Housing, Human Services & Basic Needs – strengthening essential services and support for people and families
- Sustainability & Transportation – supporting more connected, sustainable communities
Eligibility requirements
- Must be a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing and eligible through the Microsoft Employee Giving Program
- Nonprofits based in, operating within, and actively serving King County, Washington
- Nonprofits that have received or have been invited to receive Microsoft corporate grant funding in 2026 are not eligible for the Community-First Grants
- Proposed project fits directly into one of our four key focus areas
Key dates & deadlines – Microsoft Community-First Grants
| Applications open online | |
| Recurring applicant office hours | |
| Applications close (Midnight PST) | |
| Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026 | Grantees notified |
| Monday, Nov 9, 2026 | Celebratory event |
Frequently asked questions
Applications for this cycle are closed. Here are answers to the questions we hear most about what happens next.
When will we hear back?
All applicants will be notified of their status by email by November 3, 2026. Recipients will be announced publicly on November 9, 2026.
How were recipients selected?
Every application was first checked against the Cycle 1 eligibility requirements. A review committee then scored each eligible application.
I missed the deadline. Can we still apply?
Applications for Cycle 1 closed on October 23, 2026, and late submissions can’t be accepted. Community-First Grants open twice a year, so we encourage you to keep checking this site for updates.
Can recipients apply again?
Organizations that receive a Community-First Grants may apply again two years after their award. This lets the program reach as many nonprofits as possible.
Will there be another grant cycle?
Yes. Community-First Grants are offered twice a year. Each cycle has its own focus, which may include a different region, focus area, or eligibility.
When does the next cycle open?
Details about the next grant cycle, including eligibility, focus areas, application dates, and recipient announcements, will be shared on this site as they become available.
Community-First Grants support projects with immediate, essential needs to strengthen our communities at a time when nonprofits are being asked to do more with less.”
Jane Broom, Senior Director
Microsoft Philanthropies