# Indiana church coalition asks Microsoft for lasting data center fund

> We Make Indiana wants Microsoft to negotiate a binding community fund for its $1 billion Granger data center. Microsoft says investment decisions have not been made.

Oossa · 2026-09-28 · https://oossa.com/en/indiana-church-coalition-asks-microsoft-for-lasting-data-center-fund

A coalition of about 25 Indiana congregations and community groups is asking Microsoft to negotiate a long-term fund for residents near its planned $1 billion data center in Granger. The group says one or two percent of the project’s costs could support needs including health care, housing and transportation.

Microsoft has not agreed to the proposal. It told Ars Technica that community input is part of its process, but investment decisions are still pending. A company liaison reportedly said current nonprofit donations could total up to $1 million, which the coalition says is too small and lacks binding, ongoing commitments.

## The facts

- The proposed Granger data center is valued at $1 billion.
- We Make Indiana initially considered asking for a 1–2% contribution, which it estimated could mean $30 million to $40 million annually.

## Why it matters

The dispute highlights how communities hosting data centers are seeking lasting local benefits alongside the tax breaks developers receive.

## Sources & references

1. [Microsoft goes quiet after church groups ask for 1% of data center costs](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/09/microsoft-goes-quiet-after-church-groups-ask-for-1-of-data-center-costs/) – Ars Technica, 2026-09-28

Last updated: 2026-09-28