Today, we’re launching Microsoft Community-First Grants, a new fund to support nonprofits that are not already directly receiving Microsoft grant funding and are addressing urgent community needs. We’re starting with organizations in King County because our responsibility begins in the communities we call home but will expand to other regions of the state in the future. This is just the latest effort in Microsoft's ongoing commitment to give where we live. I’m so proud to see the impact Microsoft and our employees made through the $1.9 billion we’ve provided to nearly 13,000 nonprofits across Washington state. Learn more about Community-First Grants and encourage any eligible nonprofit to apply! https://lnkd.in/evzu3DVV
This is fantastic to see! As someone who has worked in the public sector and with numerous nonprofits, I know how critical this kind of support is for addressing urgent community needs. It's inspiring to see Microsoft's commitment to giving back to the communities where your employees live and work.
Great initiative, Brad. Focusing on smaller groups that often fall outside existing funding makes a lot of sense, especially starting close to home.
How amazing, Brad Smith. The line that jumps out is 'not already directly receiving Microsoft grant funding' reaching past the usual well-connected recipients takes real intent, not just a bigger check. And starting local before expanding regionally is the right instinct; community trust has to be earned close to home before it travels. Great job Microsoft 💯
What stands out here is the intentional focus on nonprofits that aren't already in Microsoft's funding pipeline — that's a meaningful design choice. It's easy for corporate giving to concentrate around the same visible organizations; this approach actively works to widen the circle of impact instead
Iniciativas assim mostram que transformação digital também passa por acesso. Para organizações que lidam com dados sensíveis, capacitação e governança precisam caminhar junto: como a Microsoft tem apoiado essa frente?
Starting locally creates a clearer feedback loop between funding and measurable community outcomes. That model can make expansion more accountable as the program grows.
Our responsibility begins in the communities we call home' is a strong principle for corporate giving. Starting local before scaling regionally builds trust and lets you learn what actually works before expanding — a smart, grounded approach rather than a broad announcement without follow-through
Brad, what a wonderful initiative from Microsoft! It’s incredible to see how many opportunities you’re creating for nonprofits and how consistently Microsoft supports communities. And we would really love to ask you: how can a nonprofit from a small country like Georgia become part of this system of support? We’re registered on Benevity, and we’re already in touch with more than 200 Microsoft employees. We support neurodivergent children and their families and develop research projects focused on human development and mental health. How can we make the kinds of opportunities you’re writing about accessible to an organization like ours? Brad, perhaps you could point us in the right direction? Where should we go, what should we do, and who should we talk to? Your advice could become a real point of reference for us ❤️