Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new philanthropic program called “50 for 50.” The company will be providing 50 grants of $50,000 each to organizations in the Puget Sound region, including Redmond, where Microsoft is based. These grants will be announced between October and April 2025, marking the company’s 50th year since its founding. Microsoft aims to support organizations that are addressing the needs of the region, focusing on community benefits, protecting iconic places, and helping neighbors in need. Brad Smith, Microsoft President, highlighted the importance of supporting these efforts in a blog post announcing the program.
Kate Behncken, the global head of Microsoft Philanthropies, expressed that the program is a way for the company to show appreciation for the support it has received from the community in Washington state. Grantees for the program were selected with the help of a special advisory council in the Seattle region. Microsoft is also running a broader program called “One Future. One Sound” to commemorate its anniversary. The company and its employees have collectively donated $1.3 billion to over 23,500 organizations in Washington state through their giving campaign and matching program over the years.
In addition to the “50 for 50” grant program, Microsoft will also be providing gifts to various institutions in the Seattle region. The company is supporting the Friends of Waterfront Park to assist with programming, construction, public safety, and maintenance of the park that is being developed on the former Alaskan Way Viaduct site. This additional support reflects Microsoft’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community beyond the grant program. The company’s philanthropic efforts are a way to give back and support the needs of the Puget Sound region while celebrating its milestone anniversary.
Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy is evident through its extensive giving history in Washington state. The company’s dedication to supporting organizations and initiatives that benefit the community is reflected in its ongoing programs and initiatives. By providing financial support to a wide range of organizations, Microsoft is able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in the Puget Sound region. The “50 for 50” grant program is just one example of how Microsoft is leveraging its resources to address important needs and support local organizations.
The selection process for the grantees involved input from a special advisory council in the Seattle region, ensuring that the grants are awarded to organizations that align with Microsoft’s philanthropic goals. The grants will be distributed over a period of time leading up to the company’s 50th anniversary in April 2025. This phased approach allows Microsoft to make a lasting impact on the community and support a diverse range of organizations and initiatives. By providing financial support and resources, Microsoft is able to strengthen its relationships with the community and contribute to the well-being of the Puget Sound region.
Overall, Microsoft’s “50 for 50” grant program is a significant milestone in the company’s history of philanthropy and community engagement. By providing grants to organizations in the Puget Sound region, Microsoft is able to support initiatives that benefit the community, protect iconic places, and help neighbors in need. The company’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy and community support reflects its values and dedication to making a positive impact in the regions where it operates. Microsoft’s anniversary program is a testament to its long-standing relationship with the community and its continued efforts to give back in meaningful ways.
