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Datacentre Community Development

Investing in people, developing communities. Hear from communities and Microsoft leaders about why datacentre community development is important.

Community engagement is core to our mission

To empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more, we work to build trust and transparency with the communities where our datacentres are located. Through the Datacentre Community Development Initiative, we partner with local communities to foster social, environmental, and inclusive economic opportunities by supporting workforce development, skills training, and expanding broadband connectivity.

Investing in community-led initiatives

The Community Empowerment Fund supports local non-profits to help each community address their highest priorities. Project investments may be used to help build leadership, connect local organisations, and cultivate solutions for environmental sustainability, workforce development, youth development, digital transformation, and community broadband.

Partnership spotlight: COMEA House, Cheyenne

Watch how COMEA House provides secure shelter, meals, and other support to homeless men, women, and children of Laramie County, Wyoming, with support from Microsoft.

Making a positive local impact

Learn how the Sandvikens IF football club in Sweden partners with Microsoft on outreach and education activities to help refugees overcome the challenges of coming to a new country.

Addressing environmental challenges

Through the Datacentre Community Environmental Sustainability initiative, Microsoft helps local communities to improve their air quality, cut emissions, sequester carbon, alleviate competition for water resources, and reduce waste.

Learn more about Azure sustainability

Sponsoring community workforce development

In partnership with education institutions and community-led organisations, Microsoft helps ensure economic opportunities are inclusive for every resident and organization in our datacentre communities with technical training and career paths. We strive to staff our datacentres with local talent and provide employees with career growth within the company.

Addressing the broadband gap

To empower communities to thrive in the digital economy, Microsoft partners with local groups, equipment suppliers, utility companies, and other stakeholders to help implement accessible, sustainable broadband solutions.