Microsoft is committed to strengthening communities and empowering the organizations that help them thrive. Whether affected by a recent emergency or decades of challenges, we use data, technology, and strategic investments to restore and support them for future generations.
ChangeX International helps to create thriving communities everywhere by democratizing change, ensuring proven innovations and finance are accessible to everyone, everywhere. ChangeX is a community engagement platform that, with Microsoft’s support, has funded more than 500 groups in communities across Europe and the United States since 2015.
- ChangeX Finland Community Fund makes financing, resources, and support available to those who are interested in starting a proven idea or proposing a new project with the aim of strengthening their local community. Priority themes include sustainability, STEM education, social cohesion, and community tech skills, with the key goal of contributing to more sustainable, livable, and inclusive communities.
Espoon Hiihtoseura (EHS) is a cross-country skiing club founded in 1980 and operating in Espoo and Kauniainen. With nearly 450 members, the club offers year-round opportunities for children and adults from beginners to top athletes. EHS supports an active lifestyle for children from a young age and aims for inclusiveness through activities such as arranging yearly Children’s Skiing events completely free of charge for participants.
- Espoo Ski Club, through support from Microsoft, provided skis free for use by kids. The collaboration’s goal was to lower the threshold for participation and provide an opportunity for underserved groups to participate in cross-country skiing without a costly first-hand investment. The skis were available for free use in Oittaa for the whole season. The project included participation in EHS’ annual family-oriented Children’s Skiing, low-threshold, playful, open-for-all children’s competition activities for ages 3–14, where families can try out the sport for the first time. The upkeep for the skis was provided free of charge by local ski-rental company Maastohiihtocenter.
Pelastakaa Lapset is the world’s leading non-aligned children’s organization that makes immediate and lasting changes in children’s lives. It safeguards every child’s right to life, protection, learning, and inclusion in Finland and abroad.
- Digital Safety Skills for Comprehensive Schools supports students’ and their caregivers’ understanding of digital safety as well as the skills children need to be safe online. Building relationships and collaborating with comprehensive schools in Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti, Save the Children produced high-quality accessible learning materials in its Huippula – Toppen service and organized workshops for 4th to 6th graders (10–12-year-olds). The project also created a plain-language guide for parents that is accessible for families with an immigrant or refugee background and which was distributed to families via schools and other local institutional contacts.
Tiedekeskus Heureka is a lively hands-on exhibition and activity center that offers joy of discovery in interactive exhibitions, planetarium films, science programs, and events throughout the year.
- Visits for children to Heureka Science Center enabled fifth graders from schools in Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti to visit Heureka during Robotic Weeks. The visits inspired students to learn about scientific achievements and innovations that make our everyday lives easier. The visits also motivated students in their studies and provided ideas and direction for future work life.
TIEKE strives to build Europe, and Finland as a part of it, into a competitive, sustainable, and humane society, where both organizations and individuals can make the most out of the possibilities that digitalization, technology, and data can offer.
- AI Literacy and Data Protection Skills for Youth strengthens skills around AI, data protection, data privacy, and the growing role of algorithms among youth and local organizations involved with them. The project emphasizes equality and diversity when collaborating with local players and other stakeholders and experts involved with youth.
