Microsoft has donated US$10 million in cash and services (US$5 million in each) to the September 11th Fund. That fund was set up by the United Way and the New York Community Trust to aid in the relief effort in wake of the terrorist attacks this week. The company is also going to be matching the donations made by its employees in amounts of up to US$12,000 each. From Microsoft:
Microsoft Corp. today announced that it is making a donation of $10 million in cash and technical services to support the relief and recovery efforts in New York City and other areas affected by the tragic events of September 11.
The company will make a $5 million cash donation to the "September 11th Fund" established by The United Way of New York City and New York Community Trust. In addition, the company will pledge $5 million in technical services, including Microsoft® Consulting Services, volunteer hours and software, to the recovery effort and organizations serving people in the affected areas.
"We are all stunned by these tragic events. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and everyone affected by this terrible situation. We want to support the recovery effort in every way that we can," said Rick Belluzzo, president and chief operating officer of Microsoft.
Microsoft has already begun an outreach program to local, state and federal agencies, nonprofit agencies and other community-based organizations to identify areas where technology assistance can make a difference. In addition, Microsoft has asked NPower New York, a recently created nonprofit technology service provider, to help assess and dispatch technology services through its network of local agencies.
The September 11th Fund was created by the United Way and The New York Community Trust to receive financial donations from concerned citizens. Funds will be administered by the two organizations, which will form a distribution committee to ensure that resources are deployed effectively in New York City and other areas affected by the tragedy.
The fund will provide immediate support to established emergency assistance agencies, such as the American Red Cross. It will also bring together the resources of other nonprofit health and human service agencies.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the September 11th Fund may send financial donations in care of the United Way September 11th Fund, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016. Contributions are also being accepted on the United Way of New York City Web site.
In addition, Microsoft will support its employees’ acts of giving by matching, dollar for dollar, employee charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations up to $12,000 per employee annually. More than 20,000 Microsoft employees participate in the program. More information on the Microsoft Giving Program is located at the Microsoft Web site.