MSFTAR 2001 Improving people's lives

Improving people's lives: We believe software can make a difference.

The benefits of technology belong to all of us. Benefits that create new opportunities and open doors to a better life. To keep those doors open, Microsoft began one of the first formal giving programs in the high-tech industry. Today no other technology company contributes more to those in need. Last year alone Microsoft and its employees gave over $215 million in cash and software to organizations that reach under-served populations and help bridge the “digital divide.” As a result, more than 5,000 nonprofit organizations were empowered to better deliver their services and fulfill their missions to people and communities around the world. Being a responsible leader is something we take quite seriously. Because at Microsoft, we don’t simply believe in making great software. We also believe in making a difference.

Expanding Access to Technology
Not everyone has been able to take advantage of the digital revolution. To help improve access to technology for children and young adults, Microsoft has contributed $100 million in cash and software to “technology-enable” every Boys & Girls Club over the next five years. More than 3 million Club kids will be given the resources to create, explore, and discover the world around them through technology. To further expand access, Microsoft has awarded 166 Connected Learning Community Grants to organizations that provide those in underserved populations with technology tools to help them achieve their ambitions.

But our commitment does not end there. Microsoft is determined to make technology more accessible to the elderly and disabled. We’re working on innovations to the user interface as well as creating software that functions more like a personal assistant. Because of these advances, the benefits of technology will be more available to all. By helping people stay connected to their friends, their family and the world around them, we help people not just to better manage their lives, but to better live them.

Providing Resources to Nonprofits
Smaller nonprofit organizations often don’t have the resources to realize the full possibility of technology to help them serve others. The Microsoft & NPower National Partnership will strengthen thousands of nonprofits through the increased efficiency and productivity that result from an effective use of technology. Microsoft has committed $25 million in financial and software support to create NPower programs in 12 major cities across the United States. In addition, Microsoft’s Technology Leadership Grants provide large, national nonprofit organizations with substantial software donations to enhance their efficiency.

Contributing to a Diverse Technology Workforce
Microsoft is committed to taking a leadership role in expanding opportunities for all communities. Our Working Connections program has networked 63 community colleges across the country with one another and with local businesses to provide technology training programs to diverse and underserved populations. In alliance with the National Business & Disability Council, we have created the Able to Work consortium, which is dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for millions of physically challenged individuals. As a result of these efforts, a wider range of people are participating in the opportunities of today’s digital workplace.

Strengthening Communities Around the World
Microsoft supports both immediate relief and long term community development programs. Microsoft has supported disaster relief efforts at home and around the world, in places such as New York, Kosovo, Taiwan, India, and Venezuela. When catastrophe strikes, we not only supply cash to meet emergencies, but also look for ways to use technology to improve the capabilities of relief organizations. Internationally, Microsoft has also worked with local governments, other companies, and nonprofit agencies to create Digital Villages. As part of that program, Microsoft has opened eight centers with trained staff and multimedia, Internet-connected PCs. More than 2,000 people have benefited from the Digital Villages in South Africa alone. In the U.S., the Technology Enriched Communities program allows Microsoft's regional field offices to work closely with community-based nonprofit organizations to develop grant requests for technology resources and assistance.

A Tradition of Giving
Microsoft is committed to helping people in many ways. For a deeper look at the way we give our support to individuals, organizations, and communities, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/giving.