Microsoft launches its philanthropic organization, Microsoft Philanthropies

Microsoft today launched a new organisation: Microsoft Philanthropies. The company’s new organization will be focused on empowering people who don’t have access to the latest technology. For those wondering, Brad Smith, the software giant’s President and Chief Legal Officer is leading the new organization. In a blog post, Brad Smith stated:

Today we’re announcing an expanded commitment to our corporate philanthropy around the world with a broader ambition and a new organization within the company, Microsoft Philanthropies, to make this ambition a reality.

Through Microsoft Philanthropies, we will contribute in new and more impactful ways to a societal ecosystem that connects the benefits of technology to those who need it most and work harder to drive inclusive growth of the global economy. We will strive to bridge gaps within and across communities through more widespread access to technology that enhances the productivity and quality of life for the people of those communities. The opportunity to do this is greater than ever with the power of cloud computing and the potential of data science.

To bridge these gaps, Microsoft Philanthropies will invest in digital inclusion programs and partnerships. These assets include our strategic societal investments of cash and technology, the technical talents of our employees, our commitment to creative and collaborative partnerships, and the reach and scale of our brand and voice.

Through Microsoft Philanthropies, we will integrate and leverage these assets to drive greater inclusion and empowerment of people who do not yet have access to technology and the opportunities it offers and enables.  As we do so, we will build on the foundation of Microsoft’s 30+ years of giving and the insights from our many valued partners and the communities they serve, and seek new ways to achieve greater outcomes for a broader segment of the world’s population.

Microsoft states the company will be investing cash, as well as technology in nonprofit partnership which will allow the company to deliver the benefits of technology to people who don’t have access to the latest technology yet:

• We will invest cash and technology in nonprofit partnerships that deliver the benefits of technology to a wider segment of the population.
• These investments will span the spectrum of digital inclusion, from providing access and connectivity to the public cloud to delivering digital skills training to help people get jobs and start businesses, to educating the next generation of innovators through greater access to computer science education for all youth.
• One example is the $75 million we have committed to computer science education worldwide over the next three years. Early next year, we will detail the programs and partnerships that will turn this commitment into action.

You can find out more about Microsoft Philanthropies here.