I’m excited to let you know that today in the U.S. we launched the  “(I’m) initiative," which connects users of the Windows Live Messengers with nine of the world’s most significant causes and the leading non-profit organizations associated with them.

 The more I’m conversations customers have, the more money will go toward these urgent social issues.  Microsoft will share a portion of the program’s advertising revenue with the user’s chosen organization, and will guarantee that each organization receives a minimum of $100,000 in donations during the first year of the program.  There is no upper limit, so greater usage can increase the contributions.

Organizations participating in this exciting initiative are:  American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National AIDS Fund, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ninemillion.org, Sierra Club, StopGlobalWarming.org, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and U. S. Fund for UNICEF.

For every search at Click for a Cause , Microsoft contributes to ninemillion.org, a UN agency-led campaign providing education and sports programs for the nine million refugee youth around the world.  In partnership with the Save Our Selves (SOS), a campaign for a climate in crisis, this summer MSN will stream the Live Earth concerts across seven continents to an expected global audience of 2 billion. MSN has also partnered with LeBron James on his site (LeBron.msn.com) where he shares his personal experiences and inspirational messages with kids and teens.  These efforts empower you by providing the tools to make a real difference while using the services you already know and love.

I am personally quite proud that we have both the technology and the passionate employees to make this happen.  To join the I’m initiative simply go to http://im.live.com, and select the organization you wish to support and download the latest version of Windows Live Messenger (8.1) to become part of the solution.

Spread the word to your friends, and help start the movement by saying I’m making a difference.