Microsoft Philanthropies hopes to improve the world through technology

Microsoft wants to help make the world a better place, and has announced a new organization called Microsoft Philanthropies designed to help people with investments in technology and other projects.

Microsoft's president and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith outlined the goals for the new organization:

"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."

Smith added that the new group will partner with nonprofit organizations to help expand technology projects to people who need it. He cited Microsoft's already announced program to help fund computer science education programs with $75 million over the next three years as an example of what Microsoft Philanthropies will try to do.

Mary Snapp, who joined Microsoft as its first female attorney in 1988, will be the leader of Microsoft Philanthropies, and will report directly to Smith.

Source: Microsoft

John Callaham