LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – Microsoft is collaborating with a nonprofit community engagement platform called ChangeX to provide opportunities for funding across Northern Nevada with the second launch of the Microsoft Northern Nevada Community Fund. In addition to Lake Tahoe/Carson City, counties eligible for the fund include Washoe, Douglas, Storey and Lyon.
The fund aims to continue to reinvest into Northern Nevada communities as Microsoft’s growth and development expands from its existing Microsoft Americas Operations Center in Reno to proposed data centers in Northern Nevada. The company purchased 300 acres of land in Lyon County’s Victory Logistics District in 2025, although Microsoft has not explicitly confirmed what that land will be used for.
“I’ve been in this role for 10 years,” David Taylor, Community Relations Manager at Microsoft told the Tribune. “And it is very rewarding to work for a company that sees it as one of our core values to continue to give back.”
Microsoft launched its first community fund in Nevada in 2024 where 10 community projects received funding, among them, the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra, and the Just in Hope Foundation. Funds across the community projects totaled $63,000.
The company has been in Reno for 29 years, and throughout its time in Northern Nevada, Microsoft has taken part in a number of initiatives for positive community impact such as their 18th annual IT Makeover Campaign which provided $65,000 in community funding for seven different nonprofits.
Other programs include their Employee Volunteer Program, Annual Giving Campaign, Giving Tree Program (adopt-a-family for the holiday), Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Annual Golf Tournament, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation Annual Poker Tournament and more.
If you’re part of a nonprofit organization, community group, school or you’re an individual located in one of the counties listed above, you could be eligible to apply as the Northern Nevada Community Fund seeks to back local projects aligned with themes including biodiversity, digital skills, and future workforce development.
Nonprofits can get up to $10,000 for a project, while individuals looking for funds for things like school service projects can receive funding up to $5000.
“Microsoft and its employees contribute to the community in which they live by bringing the benefits of information technology to people and organizations throughout the community,” Taylor said.
ChangeX, an international nonprofit organization, manages the Northern Nevada Community Fund, developing a step-by-step process to provide everyday people with opportunities to bring environmental and social projects to their communities. Applications for this year’s Northern Nevada Community Fund will be open until June 24.
To apply, visit https://www.changex.org/funds/microsoft-nevada.
“Microsoft is committed to supporting these projects as a part of their Datacenter Community Pledge to establish a positive and lasting impact in the communities where their data centers are located,” ChangeX said in a press release.
In a statement made by Microsoft’s vice chair and president, Brad Smith, the topic was centered around “Building community-first AI infrastructure” and discusses a 5-point plan initiative:
- “We’ll pay our way to ensure our datacenters don’t increase your electricity prices.”
- “We’ll minimize our water use and replenish more of your water than we use.”
- “We’ll create jobs for your residents.”
- “We’ll add to the tax base that funds hospitals, schools, parks and libraries.”
- “We’ll strengthen your community by investing in local AI training and non-profits.”
U.S. data center construction starts soared in 2025 with a 190% year-over-year increase at $77.7 billion, as reported in ConstructConnect news.
In Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison Report, the greater Reno-Sparks area was ranked No. 5 in emerging markets globally.
To learn more about the Americas Operations Center in Reno, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/reno/default.
Information on ChangeX can be found https://www.changex.org/.
