Ballmer Group

The Ballmer Group is an American investment company based in Bellevue, Washington, that serves as a family office to manage the wealth of Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft. The purpose of the Ballmer Group is to advance economic mobility. The Ballmer Group has a presence in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. After retiring from his role at Microsoft, Steve Ballmer decided to join his wife, Connie, in philanthropy, and the two co-founded the Ballmer Group in 2015. Ballmer Group funding typically lasts for at least three years and their use is unrestricted. However, before providing grants, the Ballmer Group will perform significant data-based due diligence on the organizations as well as tracking their commitment and ability to deliver. The Ballmer Group has also been involved in backing advocacy groups related to policies on criminal justice issues, including bail reform and expunging criminal records. It has also regularly spoken with lawmakers such as Karen Bass. The Ballmer Group uses a "wraparound approach,” which emphasizes community action rather than being directly involved with educational issues such as K-12 personalized learning, academic standards, and curriculum. One of its largest donations was made to StriveTogether, a network of local communities helping children with economic mobility.