Two weeks ago we pointed out that Apple’s new CEO, Tim Cook, has somewhat adjusted Apple’s position on philanthropic efforts – at least those of its employees. In our ongoing series on helping our readers find sources of grants and apply for them, we turn to the Gates Foundation, founded by Microsoft’s previous CEO, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda. Such different cultures between Cupertino, CA and Redmond, WA.
In the public imagination, the good work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation goes a long way to erase all those terrible memories of Windows Millennium, Service Pack Y (incompatible with Service Pack X), and Blue Screens of Death.We are here neither to praise Steve Jobs nor bury him. Only to note the striking differences in philanthropic energies demonstrated by Jobs and Apple vis á vis Gates and Microsoft. As of today (9 October, 2011), Apple Inc. still has no philanthropic arm or application process.
The grants from the Gates Foundation are given to organizations (especially those listed as U.S. 501(c)(3)), not persons. At the moment, no Requests For Proposals (RFP) are being posted, but the foundation welcomes any Letters of Intent (LOI) on the following concerns:
Emphasis on these topics is sometimes circulated among other heath and education issues as well, and the extended list can be found here. The foundation clearly lays out the sorts of projects that interests its board, with high priority given to offering structural/long-term changes in communities (especially through education).
If your nonprofit works in any of these (or related) areas, we encourage you to contact the foundation. Moreover, the Microsoft Corporation gave $234 million last year alone through its offering software, education, and straightforward grants to applicants. This generosity is offered through its global ‘Corporate Citizenship‘ program.
If you do reach out to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation or to Microsoft, we would love to hear about your experience! Please share with us and our readers how your relationship has progressed. We hope you will share your comments with our readers so they can build upon your successes.
Thank you!