Microsoft has announced the launch of a new fund in West London that aims to support local non-profit organizations, schools, community groups, and individuals in expanding or starting impactful community projects. The fund, called the Microsoft West London Community Fund, will be managed by non-profit organization ChangeX and will focus on promoting environmental sustainability and digital skills in the Ealing and West London areas.
This is not the first time Microsoft has launched a community fund in West London, as the company has previously launched successful funds in 2020 and 2023. In 2023, the fund supported over 30 projects in West London, benefiting approximately 4,500 people.
Gurjit Bains, from Microsoft’s Community Affairs Team, expressed excitement about the opportunity for communities to come together and create vibrant and sustainable environments in 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,” Bains said.
One of the success stories from the previous fund is Ravenscourt Park Montessori, which used the funding to create an edible garden within their existing garden. Founder Laura Bolton believes that families in inner-city London are deprived of access to nature and wanted to bring opportunities to connect with nature to their school. “The impact of this project has only just begun, but there has been a wonderful impact already,” Bolton said.
This year, communities can choose from a portfolio of proven ideas that have had a positive impact in other communities around the world, or 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 Hour of Code, which introduces students to computer science, and FreshWater Watch, which allows people to become citizen scientists and understand, monitor, and protect local freshwater bodies.
ChangeX has developed a simple step-by-step process for communities to receive funding and lead impactful projects. Those who wish to start one of the proven ideas will have 30 days to complete a number of simple steps, including creating a project team and developing an action plan to unlock their seed funding. For those who want to apply for funding for their own project, they will need to provide an action plan and a simple budget. Applications will be assessed based on criteria such as feasibility, impact, and scope. The application deadline is December 31.
To date, Microsoft and ChangeX have launched over 50 community funds in multiple countries, funding more than 800 projects and benefiting approximately 275,000 people. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Pledge to make a positive and lasting impact in the communities where their data centers are located.
For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/4ek8UC5.
About ChangeX
ChangeX is a community engagement platform that aims 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. The organization also works with companies and foundations to provide necessary funding to support local communities. Its funders include Microsoft, Accenture, and the LEGO Foundation, among others.
ChangeX is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with teams based in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
For media inquiries, please contact emma@changex.org.
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