King County nonprofits that have never received Microsoft funding can apply for a share of $1 million through the company's new Community-First Grants program.
Microsoft announced the program on Monday, Sept. 21, as first reported by 425 Business. Applications for the first round are open through Oct. 23 on the Community-First Grants page.
The grants target projects that might otherwise stall or never get off the ground. Microsoft's examples include modernizing a facility to serve more youth or seniors and expanding transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness.
The program covers four focus areas:
- Civic life
- Education and workforce development
- Housing, human services and basic needs
- Sustainability and transportation
To qualify, an organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) based in King County and must not already receive Microsoft grant funding.
Jane Broom, a senior director at Microsoft, said in a company statement that the grants will support projects with immediate needs at a time when nonprofits face pressure to do more with less. Microsoft cited figures showing 66% of nonprofits have concerns about their financial stability and nearly 75% have seen increased demand for services.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, wrote on X on Sept. 21 that the program will start in King County but expand to other regions of Washington state. He framed the initiative as part of a broader track record, noting that Microsoft and its employees have provided "$1.9 billion to nearly 13,000 nonprofits statewide."
That expansion context matters for Bellevue-based organizations. Microsoft is headquartered in neighboring Redmond, and many of its employees live across the Eastside. The company said it expects to grow the program long-term.
Grantees will be notified of selection in November. Organizations that miss the first deadline will get another chance. A second round of applications is set to open in spring 2027.
