Microsoft has set up a €100,000 fund for individuals, community groups, schools and non-profits in south Dublin.

Managed by ChangeX, the Microsoft Community Fund for South Dublin is intended to support communities near the company's data centre campus in Clondalkin with projects related to environmental sustainability and digital skills.

Funding recipients will choose from a portfolio of proven ideas that have made a positive impact elsewhere, including a citizen monitoring scheme to protect water sources, a programme to support the development of school gardens and local biodiversity, and a project aiming to tackle plastic pollution through turning waste into valuable materials.

Applications for funding are open to individuals, groups, schools and non-profits across the South Dublin County Council area. 

Funding of up to €4,500 per project is available and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with all applicants required to complete a 30-day challenge to unlock funding, which includes establishing a clear project action plan.

The fund builds on 60 community projects geared around the development of digital skills and empowering local sustainability that has been launched by Microsoft since 2021.

Moreover, since 2008, Microsoft has invested more than €4m in initiatives that support thriving, sustainable communities in the vicinity of its data centre operations in Clondalkin.

“As we build and operate a global network of advanced data centres, we recognise the crucial role communities play in this ecosystem," said Lavinia Morris, general manager of Microsoft data centre operations for EMEA.

"The latest Microsoft Community Fund for South Dublin, announced today, will help deliver on the key pillars of this pledge, advancing community prosperity and well-being, while contributing to a sustainable future, and operating responsibly as a good neighbour.

“Over the past 17 years, Microsoft has invested more than €4m in empowering communities close to our data centre operations in Dublin, helping to enhance people’s digital skills, fostering sustainability and advancing community prosperity and well-being.

"As part of this investment, Microsoft has directly benefited more than 16,000 local people in communities in South and West Dublin and supported the local organisations that help them thrive."

Commenting on the initiative, Sandy Hazel, who received support by way of the fund in 2021 and started an Open Orchard project, said: “We wanted to grow more food but buying fruit trees is expensive.

"When we heard about the funding provided by Microsoft, we realised it was perfect because it allowed us to get the idea off the ground. 

"The idea behind adding fruit trees and berries to our community garden was to give local children the chance to pick their own fruit and have that experience, which is hard to access when growing up in an urban environment. 

"Spending the funding in local nurseries also helped to support small businesses in the area and give back to the local community.”

Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX, said: “Our partnership with Microsoft has already empowered tens of thousands of local changemakers around the world, and we’re excited to continue that work in Dublin this year.”

Microsoft employs 3,500 people across is Leopardstown campus and its data centre. The company made record revenues of $211bn and operating income of $88m in 2023.

Photo: Pictured is Lavinia Morris, alongside community garden volunteers, Alessia Balduini and Roberto Marotta at Flanagan’s Field Open Orchard. (Pic: Conor McCabe Photography)