Aussie NFPs to Pocket US$500,000 from Microsoft
3 September 2015 at 11:48 am
Ten Australian Not for Profits will share in US$500,000 cash from Microsoft as part of a global initiative.
As part of the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has launched #UpgradeYourWorldAU, which will see it give US$50,000 (AUD$70,900) each to 10 Australian organisations which are judged to be “making a real difference”.
Five Not for Profits have already been announced and now Microsoft Australia is calling on the public to choose another five organisations to receive a cash injection.
Microsoft Australia’s Citizenship Manager, Anna Howarth, said the project was part of a larger initiative which had seen 10 global organisations receive grants.
“Our local nonprofits are making a positive difference in our community and we are pleased to partner with these organisations, helping them to empower others to make an impact in today’s world,” Howarth said.
“At Microsoft, we are committed to celebrating those who inspire others and make an impact in their community and around the world. Today’s Australian launch is part of the global Windows 10 #UpgradeYourWorld initiative, a year-long initiative that celebrates people and organisations doing great things, with a total global investment of US$10 million.”
The first five organisations chosen to receive the cash from Microsoft are the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), Indigenous Digital Excellence Initiative (IDX), Infoxchange, Social Traders and The Smith Family.
Howarth said that until the end of September the public would be asked to nominate an Australian organisation using the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorldAU and #Vote and tagging their favourite Not for Profit on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Head of Fundraising at The Smith Family, Rosie Simpson, said the organisation was happy to receive the significant grant.
“We are thrilled to receive US$50,000 for our digital literacy programs as part of Microsoft Australia’s Windows 10 Upgrade Your World initiative.
“For 25 years, The Smith Family and Microsoft have been working together to bridge the digital divide for disadvantaged Australian children and their families. More recently, Microsoft’s significant investment in The Smith Family’s IT infrastructure has supported us to achieve our vision of a better future for young Australians in need. We are very grateful for their substantial and ongoing support enabling us to help more disadvantaged children succeed at school.”
The 10 global organisations that received US$50,000 were CARE, Code.org, Keep a Child Alive, Malala Fund, Pencils of Promise, Save the Children, the Special Olympics, The Global Poverty Project, The Nature Conservancy and the Beagle Freedom Project, which received more than 2,000 public nominations to be named the 10th Not for Profit.
More information can be found here.
