Microsoft is accepting applications for its 2026 Community-First Grants, a competitive, project-based grant opportunity for eligible 501(c)(3) public charities based in and serving King County, Washington. The current cycle is open from September 21 through October 23, 2026. Microsoft’s program page lists the close as “Midnight PST” on October 23; the official FAQ specifies the date without a time. Applicants should confirm the exact portal cutoff rather than assuming that midnight means the end of October 23.
Funding available
Microsoft’s controlling 2026 FAQ states that 25 nonprofits will each receive $20,000 in one-time project funding (approximately $500,000 in awards for this round). A separate headline announces an additional $1 million in grants; that broader statement is not an individual award amount and should not replace the FAQ’s current-cycle award details. Microsoft has not identified an applicant matching percentage or reimbursement structure in the reviewed public guidelines; applicants should follow the application and award documents for any such conditions.
Who may apply
Applicants must be registered U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing, must be based in King County and actively serve and operate within King County, Washington, and must be eligible through Microsoft’s Employee Giving Program. Organizations that received or were invited to receive Microsoft corporate grant funding in 2026 are ineligible. Organizations receiving Microsoft technology grants or Microsoft Employee Giving Program matching gifts may still qualify, as specified in the official FAQ.
Eligible projects and evaluation
Proposed projects must address at least one of four focus areas: civic life; education and workforce development; housing, human services and basic needs; or sustainability and transportation. Projects must identify a clearly defined community need, align with the nonprofit’s mission and expertise, demonstrate measurable community impact, benefit underserved groups where relevant, fit a feasible budget and timeline, and explain how the grant will launch, expand, improve or complete the proposed activity. The official FAQ gives examples such as facility upgrades, food pantry expansion, community gardens, STEM learning labs, transitional housing furnishings and neighborhood gathering spaces.
How to apply
Apply using the official Microsoft Community-First Grant application form before the published October 23, 2026 deadline. The application form is live but its complete field-level instructions were not independently accessible in the public browser. Confirm the latest form requirements, submission cutoff and attachments directly in the portal. Microsoft expects to notify applicants November 3, 2026. Selected nonprofits are expected to attend the November 9 community event and collaborate on program-impact storytelling.
Official controlling resources: Microsoft Community-First Grants program page and 2026 official FAQ and eligibility requirements. Research checked October 17, 2026.