Microsoft Launches New West London Community Fund to Support Local Projects
Microsoft is proud to announce the launch of a new community fund in West London, set to support non-profit organisations, schools, community groups and individuals looking to expand or start impactful community projects. This initiative, run by non-profit organisation ChangeX, is dedicated to building thriving and sustainable communities in Ealing and across West London. The fund will specifically support projects related to environmental sustainability and digital skills.
This marks the third community fund launched by Microsoft in West London, following the success of previous funds in 2020 and 2023. In 2023, over 30 projects were funded, benefiting approximately 4,500 local residents.
Speaking on the launch, Gurjit Bains from Microsoft’s Community Affairs Team said, “The Microsoft West London Community Fund provides an opportunity for communities to come together in creating vibrant and sustainable environments across West London. We are thrilled to support local initiatives throughout West London and look forward to witnessing the collective impact we can achieve in building healthier, more sustainable communities.”
One of the success stories from last year’s fund was the Ravenscourt Park Montessori, which received funding to create an edible garden within their existing garden. Founder Laura Bolton shared, “We believe families in inner city London are deprived of access to nature and so want to bring opportunities to connect with nature at our school. The impact of this project has only just begun, but there has been a wonderful impact already.”
This year, communities can choose from a portfolio of proven ideas that have already had a positive impact in other communities around the world, or apply for funding to start or expand a new project. The fund offers funding of up to £5,000 per project.
Some of the proven ideas on offer through the fund include:
– Hour of Code: Introduce students to computer science
– FreshWater Watch: Become citizen scientists and understand, monitor, and protect local freshwater bodies
ChangeX has developed a simple step-by-step process to get funding to communities, enabling them to lead impactful projects. Applicants who wish to start one of the proven ideas on offer will have 30 days to complete a number of simple steps, including creating a project team and developing an action plan in order to unlock their seed funding. Once these steps are completed, applicants will be considered eligible for initial funding. Funding will be awarded to qualified applicants 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 a range of criteria, such as feasibility, impact, and scope. The application deadline is December 31.
To date, Microsoft and ChangeX have launched more than 50 community funds across multiple countries, funding over 800 community projects and benefitting approximately 275,000 people. This is part of Microsoft’s commitment to supporting these projects as a part of their Datacenter Community Pledge, aiming to establish a positive and lasting impact in the communities where their data centres are located.
To find out more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/4ek8UC5.
About ChangeX
ChangeX is a community engagement platform designed to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighbourhoods. Established in 2015, ChangeX works with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic, and social issues. It partners with companies and foundations to support local communities with necessary funding. Its funders include Microsoft, Accenture, and the LEGO Foundation, among others.
ChangeX is an international non-profit organisation headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
For media inquiries, please contact 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.