Microsoft Launches New Community Fund in Wales to Support Local Projects
Tuesday 19 November, 2024
Wales, November 2024 – Microsoft has announced the launch of a new fund in Wales to support local non-profit organisations, schools, community groups, and individuals in expanding or starting impactful community projects. The Microsoft Wales Community Fund, in partnership with non-profit organization ChangeX, is dedicated to building thriving and sustainable communities in and around Newport. The fund will specifically support community projects focused on environmental sustainability and digital skills.
This initiative marks the second community fund launched by Microsoft in Wales, following the success of a previous fund in 2020. “The Microsoft Wales Community Fund provides an opportunity for communities to come together in creating vibrant and sustainable environments across Newport. We are thrilled to support local initiatives throughout Wales and look forward to witnessing the collective impact we can achieve in building healthier, more sustainable communities,” said Gurjit Bains, from Microsoft’s Community Affairs Team.
Through the Microsoft Wales Community Fund, communities will have access to a portfolio of proven ideas that have already made a positive impact in other communities around the world. Alternatively, they can apply for funding to start or expand a new project. The fund will provide up to £5,000 per project.
Some of the proven ideas on offer through the fund include the Hour of Code, which introduces students to computer science, FreshWater Watch, which encourages citizens to become scientists and understand, monitor, and protect local freshwater bodies, and Repair Café, which provides a free meeting place for people to repair items instead of throwing them away.
ChangeX has developed a simple step-by-step process to help communities receive funding and lead impactful projects. Applicants who wish to start one of the proven ideas available will have 30 days to complete a few simple steps, such as creating a project team and developing an action plan, in order to unlock their seed funding. Once these steps are completed, they will be considered eligible for initial funding, which will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
For those who apply for funding for their own project, they will be asked to provide an action plan and a simple budget. Applications will be assessed on various criteria, including feasibility, impact, and scope. The deadline for applications is January 31.
To date, Microsoft and ChangeX have launched more than 50 community funds in multiple countries, funding over 800 community projects and benefiting about 275,000 people. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Pledge, which aims to create a positive and lasting impact in the communities where their data centers are located. To find out more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/3XEJOYW.
About ChangeX
ChangeX is a community engagement platform designed to provide funding and resources directly to ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods. Established in 2015, ChangeX partners with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic, and social issues. It also collaborates with companies and foundations to support local communities with necessary funding. Some of its funders include Microsoft, Accenture, and the LEGO Foundation. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, ChangeX is an international non-profit organization with teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
For media inquiries, please contact Emma at emma@changex.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.