These kinds of contests seem to often fly under the normal noise lines of media, or get pushed to the rear of some types of programs, but I think that there’s much to be learned from what Microsoft is doing here with their Technology for Good Contest.

The Technology for Good Contest is a way for Microsoft to highlight some of the work happening within Washginton state area non-profit groups after they have been given donated software. The contest winners draw light to some of the most effective and innovative methods pursued.

This year’s winners included Seattle Works (Increased Efficiency = Bigger Community Impact), Densho (Preserving Stories About the Japanese American Incarceration During World War II), and YWCA Seattle, King & Snohomish County (YWCA Seattle, King & Snohomish County – Technology for Good).

There is a submission gallery which includes all of those who submitted items for this contest, several ideas in here worth doing in multiple regions (Utilizing Technolgy to Increase Health Access, Creating Employment Opportunities for Blind and Deaf-Blind Adults, and Improving Case Management for Homeless Families Through Technology to name a few).

Winners received a $5,000 unrestricted cash grant, up to $100,000 worth of donated Microsoft software, consulting services donated by NPower Seattle, and more.

Given the examples here, how can your ministry or organization take existing work to create an opportunity for the positive welfare of others? Whether or not you get a prize from Microsoft, what ability do you or a ministry have in-hand to effect the immediate community you serve?

And if you have done items of this sort, drop us a line about it so that we can get some more eyes to your efforts (and be less of a silo about what works and what doesn’t).

~ via TechSoup