# Microsoft's Good Neighbor Promise Fails South Bend Community

> Microsoft's data center liaisons ignore community requests for $30m annual funding despite promises to support local nonprofits in South Bend.
- Title: Microsoft's Good Neighbor Promise Fails South Bend Community
- Summary: Microsoft's data center liaisons ignore community requests for $30m annual funding despite promises to support local nonprofits in South Bend. Microsoft's $1…
- Keywords: microsoft, south bend, we make indiana, data center, nonprofit, poverty line, nfl, science, technology, Microsoft's, Good, Neighbor
- Source: Futurism — https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-shrivels-good-neighbor-community-first-ai-data-center
- Author: Joe Wilkins
- Published: 2026-09-28T20:40:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: microsoft, south bend, we make indiana, data center, nonprofit, poverty line, nfl, science, technology
## Microsoft's Community Plan
Microsoft pledged to partner with local communities through data center investments and job creation, including funding nonprofits and sending liaisons to towns.

> We will invest in your local nonprofit community
## South Bend's Poverty Crisis
South Bend has over 20 percent of residents living below the federal poverty line, needing affordable housing and healthcare services.
## Community Request Ignored
We Make Indiana asked Microsoft for a one percent revenue share from the data center to fund local programs, but liaisons ignored the request.
## Limited Donation Cap
Microsoft's liaisons can only donate up to $1 million total, not enough to address South Bend's needs.
## Tax Abatement Impact
South Bend lost $900 million in state tax revenue due to Microsoft's tax abatement agreement, worsening local poverty.
## Key takeaway

Microsoft's $1 million donation limit for community programs falls short of the $30 million needed annually for South Bend's poverty-stricken residents.