Microsoft Silicon Valley Honored with Corporate Philanthropy Award

Microsoft Silicon Valley was honored this month by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal at the Corporate Philanthropy Awards. Microsoft ranked sixth among the area’s top ten contributors, donating $3.5 million in cash donations.  The corporation’s three largest Silicon Valley contributions were made to the Tech Awards, DonorsChoose.org and the Hispanic College Fund.

The publication presented awards to the top 50 givers in Silicon Valley at their annual event attended by more than 300 people at the Santa Clara Convention Center. As a top philanthropic donor, Microsoft is no stranger to the corporate philanthropic donors list ranking fourth in 2008, third in 2009 and fourth in 2010 for giving millions in cash donations to local organizations.

Accepting the award, Lisa Marie Carlson, employee programs manager at Microsoft said, “Assisting individuals, communities and businesses realize their full potential is Microsoft’s mission, making these initiatives a natural extension of our global goals. On behalf of the more than 2,000 Microsoft Silicon Valley employees, we humbly thank the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal for this recognition but the real accolades go to our nonprofit partners who do so much for so many.”

In addition to the $3.5 million philanthropic contributions to Silicon Valley organizations, Microsoft donated $16.7 million in grants and software to 66 nonprofits in Silicon Valley. The donations were made as part of Microsoft Corporation's Citizenship grant program, a company-wide philanthropic effort to make technology more relevant, accessible and affordable. Cash and software donations are given to nonprofit organizations whose missions include creating educational, economic and employment opportunities, and fostering local innovation.