Microsoft has been a cornerstone of support for the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) since our founding, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to helping local students and schools thrive. Through generous sponsorship, volunteerism, employee giving, and corporate matching, Microsoft empowers LWSF to make a meaningful impact on the lives of over 30,000 students in the Lake Washington School District.
Transformative Sponsorship
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Microsoft awarded 50 nonprofits across Washington State with $50,000 grants—recognizing organizations that help make our community a vibrant place to live and a hub of innovation, creativity, and inclusion. LWSF was honored to be selected as one of these 50 changemakers.
Microsoft has also been a key sponsor of our annual spring benefit throughout the years, with their generous support helping to fund more than 15 impactful programs and initiatives that support students across the district.
Leadership in Action
Equally impactful is the leadership Microsoft employees bring to LWSF’s Board of Trustees. Three individuals currently serve on the board, sharing their expertise and passion for education:
- Catherine Boeger: As a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft and a parent in the Lake Washington School District, Catherine leads initiatives for Microsoft 365, bringing her vast experience in marketing, sales, and strategy to her role as Vice President of LWSF’s board.
- Girish Joshi: A Global Technical Director at Microsoft, Girish’s decision to join the board was driven by his passion for youth mental health. Girish’s dedication to mental health advocacy enhances LWSF’s ability to support students’ wellness.
- Manish Agrawal: New to the board in 2024, Manish is a product leader in Microsoft’s Windows AI team and co-founder of IAccessible, a social enterprise for disability inclusion. As a parent and advocate for inclusive education, Manish remarked, “I hope to bring the lens of inclusion through my lived experience of disabilities to the table.”
Impact Through Volunteering
Another important aspect of our partnership with is the company’s commitment to employee volunteering. For six consecutive years, during Microsoft’s month of giving in October, teams of employees have volunteered their time to support LWSF programs. At the Pantry Packs warehouse in Redmond, WA, teams from Microsoft have gathered to pack thousands of food bags filled with non-perishable, kid-friendly items. These Pantry Packs are distributed to more than 1,000 food-insecure students in the district, ensuring they have access to meals over the weekend.
Beyond food assistance, Microsoft teams have also come together to write heartfelt letters and cards of appreciation for LWSD teachers and staff. Many employees feel a personal connection to these efforts, whether as alumni of LWSD schools, parents of current students, or simply community members who care deeply about education.
Employee-led initiatives further highlight the dedication and creativity of the people at Microsoft. In October 2024, Microsoft employee Raja Venkatachalam and the SCHIE team organized a family chess tournament as part of Microsoft’s GIVE Campaign. This event brought colleagues and families together for a day of fun and friendly competition, raising over $1,000 to support LWSF’s work. Events like these demonstrate how employee-driven efforts can amplify the impact of corporate giving.
Amplified Giving
To make employee contributions even more meaningful, Microsoft offers a generous employee matching program that amplifies both monetary donations and volunteer hours. For every dollar donated by an employee, Microsoft matches it dollar-for-dollar. Additionally, for every hour an employee volunteers with LWSF, Microsoft donates $25 to the Foundation.
Building a Brighter Future
From financial contributions and employee volunteering to the inspiring leadership of its employees, Microsoft has been a driving force behind LWSF’s ability to help students thrive, both now and in the future. Their unwavering partnership has empowered LWSF to remove barriers, enhance learning, build connections, and support wellness for students across over 50 schools in the district.
As we celebrate this partnership, we extend our deepest gratitude to Microsoft for their enduring commitment and support. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all students.
Local education foundations awarded with Microsoft’s 50 for 50 grants gather at Seattle’s Space Needle to celebrate Microsoft’s 50 year anniversary.
Microsoft employees volunteer at the Pantry Packs warehouse during October’s month of giving.
Microsoft employees volunteer to create thank you cards for teachers and staff during October’s Month of Giving.
Microsoft employees and friends gathered at LWSF’s spring benefit in 2024.
LWSF Trustee and Microsoft Executive Catherine Boeger
LWSF was amongst 50 nonprofits recognized by Microsoft as local changemakers helplng to make Washington a great place to live.
LWSF Trustee and Microsoft Executive Manish Agrawal
Microsoft employees volunteered at the Pantry Packs warehouse during October’s month of giving.
LWSF Trustee and Microsoft Executive Girish Joshi
Microsoft celebrated 50 Years at the Seattle Space Needle.
Microsoft SCHIE Organization raised funds for LWSF.
Microsoft employees volunteered at the Pantry Packs warehouse during October’s month of giving.
