DETROIT, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Recognizing the achievements of The Henry Ford and the extraordinary potential of its capital campaign, The Inspiration Project, Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT), and Bill Ford, chief executive officer of Ford Motor Co., today announced a $1 million donation from Microsoft to The Henry Ford to support the continued transformation of its campus. The campaign will raise $155 million to fund important new exhibitions and programs at Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, including those focusing on technological advancements. Earlier in the afternoon, both executives shared their visions for automotive technology at Microsoft`s Peak Performance vision launch to the automotive community.

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``We are thrilled with this generous donation from Microsoft,`` said Steve Hamp, president of The Henry Ford. ``This institution prides itself on highlighting leaders who have changed our world. Through its vision for a connected world through technology, Microsoft has improved so many of our lives, and it is a privilege to have it on board as a supporter. The Henry Ford showcases innovation to inspire a better future. Microsoft truly exemplifies our motto: `Ordinary people have changed the world and you can too!`.``

Gates and Ford formally announced the donation this afternoon at The Henry Ford`s Lovett Hall before the senior class of Henry Ford Academy. Both executives spoke to the students about technology`s ability to open doors to success and empower them to realize their personal and professional goals. Gates and Ford also answered several questions posed by the students on topics including Microsoft`s vision of universal computer access, how computer literacy can prepare individuals to compete in the job market, and the future of automotive innovation.

``Microsoft is proud to join with The Henry Ford in its quest to inspire every visitor to create a better future,`` said John Fikany, general manager for the Great Lakes District and the Automotive & Industrial Equipment Vertical at Microsoft. ``We are, of course, particularly pleased that the Information Age will be a part of a future exhibition at America`s Greatest History Attraction. Like Henry Ford himself, Microsoft strives to empower organizations and individuals through progress and innovation fueled by technology. It is through that innovative spirit that Microsoft and other companies have been able to help people all over the world more fully realize their potential through technology.``

Microsoft and its employees have long recognized the importance of being engaged in supporting communities around the world. Last year the company donated $48 million in cash and $362 million in software to 8,000 nonprofit organizations. In Michigan alone, Microsoft has donated more than $27 million in cash and software to community organizations, educational institutions and human service agencies. Although a majority of the company`s community investments are made in support of Unlimited Potential, a global program that supports community technology centers in IT skills training, the company also makes software available to improve the use of technology by nonprofit organizations.