Minister of State at the Department of Justice with special responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy TD, said, “It’s a privilege to stand alongside so many dedicated community leaders today, learning about the transformative projects supported by the Microsoft Community Fund and celebrating their remarkable achievements in creating more sustainable, vibrant communities across south and west Dublin. Building better places to live requires collaboration between Government, industry, and civil society, and today’s launch of the Microsoft 2026 Community Fund is another important step toward this shared goal. The fund will help local changemakers to make a real difference in the community and deliver a lasting, positive impact for local residents across Dublin. I look forward to seeing how future funding is invested and the positive impact it will have in the months ahead.”

Lavinia Morris, General Manager of Microsoft’s EMEA Data Centre Operations, said: “At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person to achieve more. As we invest in and operate data centres across Ireland and globally, we recognise that this comes with both responsibility and opportunity. Last year, we set this out clearly through our Data Centre Community Pledge, which provides three key commitments: to contribute to a sustainable future, advance community prosperity and wellbeing, and operate responsibly as a good neighbour.

“The Community Fund is one of the practical ways we deliver on our Data Centre Pledge locally. It is about backing real projects, led by local people, that make a difference on the ground in the communities closest to our data centre operations. It has been inspiring to hear from the many community leaders and changemakers gathered at our celebration event today about the positive impact that the fund is having. Through the projects pioneered by our changemakers, local communities across South and West Dublin have become greener, more connected, and future ready – directly benefitting nearly 30,000 local people. We look forward to building on this success with the rollout of the 2026 fund and hope to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for communities across Dublin.”

Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX, said: “At ChangeX, we believe that driving lasting impact starts at the local level. By supporting changemakers across Ireland and beyond, ChangeX is helping to build a more resilient and connected world. Our long-term partnership with Microsoft is making a real difference in supporting local changemakers in Dublin to enhance sustainability and community prosperity. We look forward to seeing the transformative projects this fund will kickstart over the coming months.”

Applications for funding are open to individuals, groups, schools and non-profits across the South Dublin and Fingal County Council areas. Funding of up to €5,000 per project is available, with a simple step-by-step application process in place to support groups to secure funding. Applications will be reviewed against eligibility and scoring criteria. Applicants will be asked to complete a number of simple steps, such as sharing a project plan, to unlock their initial funding. The application deadline is March 3.

To find out more and apply, visit this link: https://www.changex.org/ie/funds/microsoft-dublin?utm_source=pr

About Microsoft Ireland

Microsoft Ireland employs over 4,000 people representing more than 90 different nationalities operating out of the company’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin and our Data Centre in Dublin. From software development, Microsoft International Operations, Finance, HR and Digital Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Ireland Sales and Marketing, we have an ambition to empower every person and organisation to achieve more.

About ChangeX

ChangeX is a community engagement platform designed to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighbourhoods.

ChangeX was established in 2015. It works with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic and social issues and partners with companies and foundations to support local communities with the necessary funding. Its funders include Microsoft, Accenture and the LEGO Foundation, among others.

ChangeX is an international non-profit organisation, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia.

To date, Microsoft and ChangeX have launched more than 50 community funds across multiple countries, funding more than 850 community projects and impacting about 280,000 people. Microsoft is committed to supporting these projects as a part of their Datacentre Community Pledge to establish a positive and lasting impact in the communities where their data centres are located.

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