Ontario community investments

Microsoft believes everyone should have access to the skills, technology, and opportunity they need to succeed in a changing economy.

NPower Canada creates pathways to economic prosperity for Canada’s underserved youth and adults by launching them into meaningful and sustainable digital careers.

• NPower Tech Skilling FY25 provides upskilling and mentorship for learners to obtain high-quality employment in diverse, professional workplaces where they apply skills gained in the program. NPower focuses on building technical skills to help underemployed and unemployed individuals, particularly people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and others, in the technology sector. NPower partners with Canadian social services providers to identify beneficiaries in need.

Climate change requires swift, collective action and technological innovation. We are committed to meeting our own goals while helping communities to do the same.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is a passionate community of people who believe that nature is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy, and a sustainable future that supports the hopes and dreams of the next generation. Together, they conserve and restore some of the most valuable and threatened landscapes on the planet.

• DUC and the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) purchased 325 acres of wetland, completing the Benallen Wetland Nature Preserve, a 600-acre tract on the Niagara Escarpment. The preserve stores an estimated 36 tonnes of carbon a year and helps reduce flood-related damage by up to 38%.

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. Funds are repeated often throughout the years.

• ChangeX Québec City Community Challenges make financing, resources, and support available to those who are interested in starting a proven idea, across the themes of community environment and community tech skills, with the aim of strengthening their local community. Supported projects include community or school gardens, revitalization projects, and STEM labs or workshops. Key goals are to launch new local projects in the region around environmental sustainability, digital skills, and community prosperity, contributing to more sustainable, livable, and inclusive communities.