Microsoft today announced a new internal philanthropic organization that will focus on bringing the benefits of technology to parts of the world and segments of the population that have missed out on the benefits of the digital revolution.
The new group, Microsoft Philanthropies, will be led by longtime Microsoft executive Mary Snapp and report to Microsoft President Brad Smith. In an announcement this morning, Smith said the new organization represents “an expanded commitment to our corporate philanthropy around the world.”
“Through Microsoft Philanthropies, we will contribute in new and more impactful ways to a societal ecosystem that connects the benefits of technology to those who need it most and work harder to drive inclusive growth of the global economy,” Smith wrote. “We will strive to bridge gaps within and across communities through more widespread access to technology that enhances the productivity and quality of life for the people of those communities. The opportunity to do this is greater than ever with the power of cloud computing and the potential of data science.”
Snapp, a 27-year veteran of Microsoft, has been a longtime leader on the company’s legal and corporate affairs team. Microsoft general manager Lori Forte Harnick will be chief operating officer for Microsoft Philanthropies.
