HOUSTON, July 10, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a $670,000 grant in cash and software to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in support of the organization’s Technology Enhancement and Capacity Building Initiative. The announcement was made at the NAACP’s 93rd annual convention to an audience of more than 10,000. This initiative will assist the NAACP in upgrading its information technology capability at its Washington, D.C., bureau; seven regional offices; 2,200 branch offices; and Family Technology Centers.
“Microsoft is pleased to be able to help the NAACP deliver greater digital opportunities to communities nationwide and reach its organizational goals through the effective use of technology,” said Bruce Brooks, director of Community Affairs at Microsoft. “The NAACP’s unwavering commitment to equal opportunity and improving the lives of people of color is a goal that Microsoft not only salutes but also supports.”
The Technology Enhancement and Capacity Building Initiative is the NAACP’s largest technology access improvement initiative in history. As part of the initiative, the NAACP will be able to expand its Family Technology Centers program. These centers provide a variety of services such as vocational skills, literacy education and college preparatory training through technology in underserved communities.
“We applaud Microsoft’s commitment to work with the NAACP by providing both technology and resources. Our constructive relationship with Microsoft has given the NAACP the ability to do more in helping to reduce the gap in technology so evident in poor communities across America,” said Kweisi Mfume, president and CEO of the NAACP.
This grant is in addition to Microsoft’s past contributions to the NAACP. To date, Microsoft and its employees have donated more than $1.5 million in cash and software to the organization to help enhance the NAACP’s information technology infrastructure and provide technology access in communities across the country.
In 1983, Microsoft established one of the first philanthropic efforts in the high-tech industry. Today, Microsoft Giving is aimed at providing underserved communities with the resources they need to help realize their full potential by supporting innovative programs and projects that enhance technology access, strengthen nonprofits through technology, diversify the technology work force and build community. In fiscal year 2000–2001, Microsoft through Community Affairs gave more than $36.6 million in cash and $179 million in software to more than 5,000 nonprofit organizations. Microsoft supports individual employee acts of giving and the organizations that inspire them by matching, dollar-for-dollar, employee charitable contributions up to $12,000 per employee annually. More information about Microsoft Community Affairs is located at http://www.microsoft.com/giving/ .
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