Software Grants

All nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that hold charitable status in your country (equivalent to the 501(c)(3) status as determined by the United States Internal Revenue Service) are eligible to participate in this program. Eligible organizations operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission to benefit the local community that could include, but is not limited to, the following.

• Providing relief to the poor
• Advancing education
• Improving social welfare
• Preserving culture
• Preserving or restoring the environment

The following organizations are not eligible to participate in the program.

• NGOs without the proper charitable status in their countries
• Individuals
• Private foundations
• Government organizations
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare organizations
  • Exception: Certain health clinics that provide services for free or on an ability-to-pay basis may be eligible.
• Amateur or professional sports organizations
• Political, labor, or fraternal organizations
• Religious organizations
  • Exception: Separate charitable entities with a secular community service or project may be eligible.

If your organization is not eligible for the Microsoft Software Donation program, the following resources may provide appropriate solutions for your needs.

• Microsoft Charity Open License Program

  Learn how qualified charitable organizations can receive discounted software licenses.

• Microsoft Government Licensing

  Read about Microsoft sales and software licensing programs for federal, state, and local governments.

• Microsoft Education

  Find academic software licensing programs and other resources for educators, students, and administrators.

• Microsoft Healthcare

  Learn about software licensing programs for healthcare providers.

• Healthy and Secure Computing Workbook (techsoup.org)

  This workbook was designed to help NGOs plan and implement systems that keep their information and online services operating reliably and securely, allowing you to focus your efforts on the goals of your organization.

• TechAtlas (Techatlas.org)

  This Web-based planning tool takes you through a step-by-step process to develop a technology plan.

• Technology Planning (techsoup.org)

  Find publications and resources to guide your organization through the technology planning process.

• Microsoft Office Live Small Business

  Establish an Internet presence, attract funders and clients, and take advantage of free online business applications to help you manage your operations.

• Microsoft Office Document Templates

  Find user-defined templates for many of your organizational planning needs, and share your templates with others.

• Technology for Fundraising Forum

  Discuss with other NGOs how technology can be used to make your fundraising efforts more effective.

• Volunteers and Technology Forum

  Discuss with other NGOs how technology can help organizations successfully recruit and engage volunteers.

Please complete the following steps to apply for a grant.

1. Visit the TechSoup Global Web site (techsoup-global.org).
2. Locate your country on the map.
3. If there is an icon pointing to your country, click the icon.
4. Proceed with registration and begin the grant application process by performing one of the following:
   • If your country is not the United States or Canada, click the partner logo, which takes you to their Web site for registration.
   • If your country is the United States or Canada, click Register Organization in the upper right toolbar.

5. If there is no icon pointing to your country, there is no TechSoup Global partner in your country at this time. Contact your Community Affairs Manager to apply for a grant.
   • Find your Community Affairs manager

Note: TechSoup charges the grantee a nominal administrative fee to help support the numerous services they provide to NGOs worldwide, including the global operations of this program.