As the world continues to deal with the economic and societal repercussions of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Microsoft made a pledge of $1 million to the Puget Sound’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Microsoft’s $1 million pledge will be put towards supporting local “nonprofits and community-based organizations on the frontlines of the coronavirus response.” As noted in a post on the Microsoft on the Issues blog, Microsoft President Brad Smith explains the criteria for using the money effectively.
“Criteria for the initial emergency response stage are being developed to ensure the dollars are allocated in a targeted, agile and responsive manner where the dollars are needed most. Initial grants will support organizations doing work with priority populations, such as: people without sick leave or health insurance; medically fragile populations; hourly and gig economy workers; healthcare workers and people with limited English-language proficiency.
The group will raise funds throughout the epidemic and recovery phases, to allocate resources as needs emerge and evolve. In times of trouble, the greater Seattle community has a strong track record of pulling together. This is a time that calls for the community to come together once again.”
In addition, Microsoft will also match any of its employees’ own contributions to the COVID-19 Response Fund. Smith remarks that while Microsoft and other corporate partners can contribute to the fund, there is more work that needs to be done on the local and federal government levels to be better prepared to manage the unfolding COVID-19 crisis.
Do you think the COVID-19 Response Fund will be successful? Let us know in the comments!
