Microsoft Community Fund for Madrid: funding for social development initiatives

The Microsoft Community Fund for Madrid, managed by ChangeX, will finance and support social development projects in the municipalities of Algete, Meco, and San Sebastián de los Reyes.

In this third edition of the Microsoft Community Fund, seven projects have been chosen that will have a positive impact on the local communities where they will be developed. The scope of these projects includes education and digital skills, environmental sustainability, and social development.

This initiative, which has been very well received by local associations, is promoted by Microsoft Community Relations, whose objective is to contribute to the social growth of the municipalities where the company’s datacenters are located.

Overall, almost 7,000 citizens of the three municipalities will benefit directly from the Microsoft Community Fund, which will make it possible to implement the following projects:

• “Algete Verde: Fomenting biodiversity,” from the FDI Foundation (Foundation for the Promotion of Development and Integration), aims to improve the biodiversity of the wetlands of Algete by maintaining an existing plantation of 200 trees, to which 200 more will be added. The project promotes environmental sustainability and social inclusion through the participation of local associations and people with disabilities in the planting. The initiative expects to directly benefit around 500 people in its first year and indirectly improve the quality of life of the entire community of Algete.
• “Singing and counting with the elderly,” from the Barrio Vivo association, will improve the well-being of the elderly of Algete through musical and cultural activities. The initiative promotes social cohesion, emotional well-being, and active aging, targeting some 2,500 participants aged between 60 and 99 with activities that include music therapy and group music practice.
• “Stop Digital Divide,” by the Barrio Vivo association, empowers older adults by teaching them how to use mobile phones and digital tools, fostering a sense of confidence and inclusion in today’s digital age. The initiative seeks to improve the autonomy and social participation of approximately 2,000 elderly residents, reducing their social isolation and fostering a more inclusive community.
• “AI courses for the unemployed,” from the Factoría F5 association, aims to improve the employability of vulnerable groups in Algete, Meco, and San Sebastián de los Reyes through two intensive courses on generative AI and digital skills. A total of 50 participants will be trained, improving their job prospects and contributing to local economic growth. The initiative values social cohesion, inclusion, and diversity.
• “Stories that educate the heart and mind,” from the Gomaespuma Foundation, seeks to improve the socio-emotional skills of children aged 3 to 6 in public schools in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid. The program includes teacher training, classroom implementation, and support visits concluding with a best practices session, affecting 1,350 people including children, families, and teachers.
• “Transforming day centers,” from the Apadis association, aims to improve communication and digital skills, increase integration in the community, and offer better employment and education opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid.
• “Renov-ArteS con Imperdible,” of the association Artistas del Pueblo, is a community project aimed at revitalizing public spaces through artistic activity. The initiative consists of the collective creation of a mural, promoting community participation, cultural enrichment, and sustainable urban development, to foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents. More than 300 people are expected to participate in the creation of the mural.
• “Road safety education for young cyclists”, of the association Mama Tierra, seeks to promote cycling proficiency among primary school children in the municipality of Algete. The initiative is supported by the city council with theory classes offered throughout the year and cycling outings organized in the Spring. The Community Fund will provide support for acquiring bicycles, helmets, and reflective jackets for children lacking resources to buy their own.The funded projects will start in September 2024. Once completed, each association will carry out an assessment and analysis of the impact generated in their local community to highlight the important role played by the associative fabric in the social development of the municipalities.