Microsoft has launched its 2026 Community Fund for south and west Dublin at a special community event held at Áras Chrónáin in Clondalkin, attended by Minister of State and Dublin South West TD Colm Brophy. The event also celebrated the achievements of recipients of the 2025 Community Fund, bringing together local schools, community groups, NGOs, and changemakers who delivered projects that created positive social and environmental impact in their communities.
The Microsoft 2026 Community Fund will provide €100,000 in funding to support individuals, community groups, schools, and non-profit organisations across south and west Dublin. Managed by non-profit organisation ChangeX, the fund is designed to enable community-led projects with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and digital skilling, helping local communities become greener, more connected, and better prepared for the future.
As part of the fund, participating communities will be able to select from a range of proven project ideas that have demonstrated success in other regions. These initiatives include hands-on STEM and digital skills workshops for students, projects aimed at enhancing local biodiversity, community-sharing initiatives to encourage resource reuse, and educational programmes that build awareness of renewable energy. The 2025 fund alone supported projects that engaged more than 11,000 people near Microsoft’s Clondalkin data centre, highlighting the growing reach and impact of the programme.
The Community Fund forms part of Microsoft’s broader Data Centre Community Pledge, which reflects the company’s commitment to being a responsible and supportive neighbour in areas near its data centre operations. Over recent years, successive Microsoft community funds have supported 103 community projects, benefiting nearly 30,000 people across south and west Dublin. Since 2008, Microsoft has invested €4.5 million in initiatives designed to strengthen and empower local communities near its data centres.
Minister Colm Brophy highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and civil society in building stronger communities. He noted that the Microsoft 2026 Community Fund represents a meaningful step toward supporting local changemakers and enabling projects that deliver long-term benefits for residents across Dublin.
Microsoft representatives emphasised that the Community Fund is a practical expression of the company’s commitment to sustainability, community wellbeing, and responsible operations. By supporting locally led projects, Microsoft aims to ensure that communities closest to its data centre operations directly benefit from investment, innovation, and opportunity.
ChangeX welcomed the continued partnership with Microsoft, noting that empowering people at the local level is key to driving lasting social and environmental impact. Through the 2026 fund, ChangeX expects to support new projects that strengthen community resilience and prosperity across south and west Dublin.
Applications for the 2026 Community Fund are open to eligible individuals, groups, schools, and non-profits in the South Dublin and Fingal County Council areas. Funding of up to €5,000 per project is available through a structured and accessible application process, with the deadline for submissions set for 3 March.
