Gift of technology
Los Angeles Urban League receives grant from Microsoft
The Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL), which has been at the forefront of identifying and addressing issues that are of concern to African Americans and other minorities in the City of Los Angeles for more than 86 years, announced today that it is the first non-profit organization slated to receive an in-kind donation of Microsoft’s Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software valued at $500,000. This software offers business management solutions focused on the needs of not-for-profit organizations.
“We are ecstatic to have the support of Microsoft, an IT industry leader in helping diverse populations realize their potential through the use of technology, as a partner in upgrading the league’s technology and helping us develop state-of-the-art administration and reporting of our programs and initiatives,’’ said Blair Taylor, L.A. Urban League president and chief executive officer.
Taylor said the Microsoft contribution will allow the Urban League to more efficiently service the foundation and corporate grants that fund the organization; enhance partner and membership databases and services; and increase efficiency at League WorkSource Centers, where the agency provides job training and placement assistance to residents.
Taylor said the L.A. Urban League assists more than 50,000 job seekers each year and will configure the software to track job applicants and employers participating in its programs, as well as more efficiently match applicants with jobs and monitor outcomes.
Microsoft has been a long-term partner of the Los Angeles Urban League and has provided more than $1.1 million in contributions to the LAUL, with the company donating over $10 million to the National Urban League network.
“Our collaboration with the League represents more than an altruistic gesture, but a sound investment in developing future generations of African-American leadership,’’ said Curt Kolcun, Microsoft vice president U.S. public sector.
