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Even though many people would rather use their billions of dollars as toilet paper than give it away, Bill Gates’s Microsoft is an example of a mega-business that gives back in a big way.
Microsoft is very notable for their various charitable associations. One of their programs includes Unlimited Potential, a campaign that strives to put computers in computer-less households in all corners of the world. Microsoft has sited that while one billion people in the world have computers, there is another five billion who are without one, limiting their reach to the rest of the world as well as depriving them of an education they deserve. “Unlimited Potential” is aiming to extend computers to another billion people by 2015.
In addition to that, Microsoft also has another program called Elevate America, which provides access to education and skills training required for modern-day jobs. Since a good percentage of modern jobs require a certain level of technological knowledge, if you’re not up to par, you might find it difficult to compete. However, “Elevate America” is an integral program that extends this education to people who would otherwise fall by the waist side.
Microsoft has recently teamed up with Feeding America and created the Browser for the Better campaign. Since more than seventeen million children in the United States receive free or discounted food during the school year, families have trouble supporting them during the summer when school is out. That’s where “Browser for the Better” steps in. Microsoft has vowed that every time Internet Explorer 8 is downloaded, they will donate the financial equivalent of eight meals to Feeding America, which will then in turn, provide the meals to the children and their families.
Microsoft Background
Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the mega-computer company produces some of the most renown computer software, electronics, and video games consoles in the market. Microsoft has not only been one of the most financially successful companies in history, but the computer market also depends on the latest Microsoft technology.
Since Microsoft is a company based off of technological expansion, it’s no wonder that they’ve created “Microsoft Hohm,” a free web-based application that helps users determine how much energy they are using and ways to limit energy consumption. The free application has been tremendously successful is informing people how to be more resourceful and save a few dollars in the process.
highlights
- Created “Microsoft Hohm” in 2009, which is a program that informs users how much energy they use and how to limit it
- Founded “Unlimited Potential” in 2003, which puts computers in computer-less homes
- Founded “Elevate America” in 2009, which educates workers on new technology
- Helped “Feeding America” in 2009 with “Browser for the Better” campaign
What you can do
- Read about or donate to Microsoft's various social programs: Unlimited Potential, Elevate America, and Browser for the Better.
- Download Microsoft Hohm to own a comprehensive computer program which can help you become more eco-friendly.
Sources:
Microsoft
CSR Wire
Microsoft - Environment
Feeding America - “Browser for the Better”
Photo by Dcoetzee on WikiCommons
