# Microsoft announces first 'Unlimited Potential' grants to UK charities - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/02/04/microsoft-announces-first-039unlimited-potential039-grants-uk-charities/ - Published: 2004-02-04T00:00:00+00:00 - Author: Howard Lake **Microsoft has made Unlimited Potential grants to Age Concern and Citizens Online, totalling £177,500 in cash, together with additional software and curriculum donations.** The grants are part of Microsoft’s global Unlimited Potential programme, an initiative focusing on providing technology skills for disadvantaged individuals through community- based technology and learning centres. Microsoft has committed to providing more than $1 billion in cash and software over the next five years for this programme. ## Advertisement [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/) In the UK, Age Concern and Citizens Online are the first organisations to benefit from Unlimited Potential support. Through the Unlimited Potential grants, Microsoft seeks to work in conjunction with the voluntary, public and private sectors to provide opportunities for developing basic IT skills to disadvantaged people in the UK who currently are, or may feel, excluded from current provision. Further Unlimited Potential grants will be announced in the UK later in 2004. Karen Bergin, Head of Corporate Affairs at Microsoft, said: “Today’s Unlimited Potential grants mark the beginning of Microsoft’s journey to tackle the issue of increasing access and provision of IT skills in the UK. For us to realise this vision, it is vital that we partner with organisations who understand the nature of specific disadvantaged communities in the UK.” * **[B2B event organisers choose charity of the year](https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/02/05/b2b-event-organisers-choose-charity-year/)**( 5 February 2004) * **[Tip sheet on extending payroll giving schemes published](https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/02/09/tip-sheet-extending-payroll-giving-schemes-published/)**( 9 February 2004) * **[New cheque scam targets charities](https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/02/14/new-cheque-scam-targets-charities/)**( 14 February 2004)