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January 22, 2009 6:43 PM

Microsoft plans no change to community giving

Posted by Kristi Heim

Microsoft plans to continue the same level of community giving despite a severe economic downturn and the first layoffs in its history.

"At this point we see no changes in our contributions to the community this fiscal year," Microsoft senior director of community affairs, Akhtar Badshah, wrote in an e-mail message tonight. Badshah manages the company's global employee and corporate giving programs. The company's 2009 fiscal year ends in June.

Microsoft's employee giving program is on track to meet its goals for 2008, he added, and the company will announce final numbers next month when contributions are totaled for the calendar year.

Microsoft donated nearly $500 million in fiscal 2008, including cash, employee matching gifts and software. It was ranked the best company for investing in its community by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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