Microsoft starts tech-focused philanthropy programme
Melanie May | 5 January 2016 | News
The new internal programme, Microsoft Philanthropies, will aim to provide communities with wider access to technology that will help to enhance people’s productivity and quality of life.
To achieve this, Microsoft Philanthropies has said it will invest in digital inclusion programmes and partnerships that cover the full range of digital inclusion, from providing access and connectivity to the public cloud to delivering digital skills training to help people find jobs and start businesses, as well as computer science education for the younger generation.
It will also include partnering with non-profit organisations and matching Microsoft employees’ technical talents with these organisations’ technical needs, as well as expanding its public advocacy work to tackle digital inclusion issues.
The programme is led by Mary Snapp, corporate vice president, reporting to Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith.
In the announcement, Smith said:
“We’ve challenged ourselves to think holistically about the contribution we can make and ask how can we truly bring to life the promise and potential of technology for everyone. Part of the answer is Microsoft Philanthropies, a dedicated organization within the company reporting directly to me that will focus on these issues.”
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About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.