FAQ

FAQ

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Resources for Nonprofits

Q. How can Microsoft help my organization? What resources are available to me?

A.

Microsoft offers many resources to nonprofits including software donations, discounted software, cash grants, and training. We also hold events such as conferences and webinars, to help nonprofits better use technology and discuss how technology can help improve their organizations.

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Software Grants

Q. How can I get free or donated Microsoft software?

A.

Microsoft gives software donations primarily through our Software Donation partnership with TechSoup Global. Visit our eligibility page and apply now. You can also download many software solutions for free online.

See our full list of free software.

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Q. Is there any free software I can download without applying for a grant?

A.

Yes, Microsoft offers many free software programs that are available for download online. For a full list of the software that you can download instantly at no cost, use the "Free Software" filter on the Full Software List.

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Q. What are the eligibility requirements for a software donation?

A.

Visit the eligibility page. Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations must hold recognized, charitable status as defined in their countries in order to be eligible for a software donation. Eligible organizations will operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission to benefit the local community that could include, but is not limited to:

  • Providing relief to the poor
  • Advancing education
  • Improving social welfare
  • Preserving culture
  • Preserving or restoring the environment
  • Promoting human rights
  • Establishment of civil society

Public libraries are eligible for software donations for public access computers only.

Organizations that engage in discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination, and/or retirement based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, political affiliation, union membership, or veteran status, other than as allowed by law, are not eligible for software donations.

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Q. Does my organization need to have a specific focus to be eligible for software donations?

A.

Eligibility for the Microsoft Software Donation program is very broadly defined and many organizations across various focus areas are entitled to the program benefits. That said, you won't know for sure if you are eligible until you apply through your local TechSoup program or inquire with your local Microsoft Corporate Citizenship contact.

Determine eligibility of your organization

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Q. What if my organization is not eligible for a software donation? What are our options?

A.

Organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Microsoft Software Donation Program are encouraged to explore our many software licensing options, including:

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Q. Is there a limit on how much software my organization can receive through the Microsoft Software Donation program?

A.

The Microsoft Software Donation program provides all eligible organizations up to ten software titles (up to 5 of which may be server products) and up to 50 access licenses per title group within a two-year period. Please check with your local TechSoup affiliate or Microsoft Corporate Citizenship manager for additional program details in your country.

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Q. Does Microsoft provide software donations internationally?

A.

Yes. Microsoft provides software donations in more than 100 countries through the TechSoup Global program and our local Corporate Citizenship managers. We continue to expand our program to include additional countries.

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Q. I heard Microsoft recently updated its software donations program. Where can I find out more?

A.

You can read more about the recent updates here.

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Q. What is TechSoup Global?

A.

TechSoup Global is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of technology services to the nonprofit community, including discounted and donated technology products, technology news, how-to articles, and discussion forums. TechSoup Global continues to expand its global presence through local nonprofit partners. Microsoft has worked in partnership with TechSoup to support their global expansion and make our technology donations more accessible to nonprofits everywhere. Learn more:

http://www.techsoup.org/microsoft/ (US only)
www.techsoupglobal.org/countries (International)

If there is no TechSoup Global partner in your country at this time, contact your local Microsoft Corporate Citizenship Office for more information on requesting a software donation.

Apply for a software grant through TechSoup

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Q. Does Microsoft provide grants for the full versions of Windows Operating Systems?

A.

Windows operating systems are available as upgrade versions through the Microsoft Software Donation program, or as full versions through the Get Genuine offering, which enables nonprofit organizations to get donations of legal operating systems for use on existing computers with a mis-licensed or mis-versioned operating system. Full operating systems are also available on discounted hardware through a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.

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Q. What is a Unilateral License? Am I eligible?

A.

For nonprofits and small independent media organizations in 12 countries with special circumstances, Microsoft provides limited, non-transferable, royalty-free licenses. Microsoft will provide Unilateral Licenses in the following countries until January 1, 2013:

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Cash Grants

Q. How do I get a cash grant from Microsoft?

A.

We provide monetary grants to eligible organizations whose missions and activities align to our core programs. Our cash grants are limited and typically result from an invitation to apply for a grant. Most of our grants to nonprofits are in the form of software, which we make broadly available to eligible organizations. Please visit our software donation page for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

Additional resources for nonprofit organizations can also be found through Microsoft YouthSpark.

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Q. What is the Community Technology Skills Program (CTSP), and how do I participate?

A.

CTSP is a localized grant program that focuses on educating underserved communities to use basic computing skills to advance their economic well-being, including getting a job and starting a business. The program is delivered through nonprofits that operate Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs). If you would like to inquire about this program, please contact your local Corporate Citizenship manager.

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Technology Support

Q. How do I get help installing and using my Microsoft software?

A.

Several support resources are available to nonprofit organizations. Microsoft also encourages you to work with a nonprofit partner whose mission is to serve other nonprofits in building organization and technology capacity.

Read about support options for your nonprofit
Find Nonprofit Partners

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Q. How can I get help to determine what software our organization needs?

A.

Determining what kind of software fits your organization's needs is very important. To learn how you can evaluate the current IT state of your nonprofit and plan for successful integration of IT into your organization, visit our IT Planning for Nonprofits page. You can also find other nonprofits similar to yours that have used IT solutions to meet their missions on our Success Stories page. We also hold online webinars and conferences where you can learn about technology solutions that fit your needs. Visit the Events page to learn about upcoming events. You may also want to discuss your needs with an IT Professional before requesting a software donation so you can ensure you get what you need.

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Q. How do I learn how to use Microsoft software I have received through a grant, downloaded online, or already have installed on my PC?

A.

Microsoft offers many training and software support options for you to learn software skills. We also hold events with training components.

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Q. How can I view XPS files, PDF files, or WMV files?

A.

To view XPS files, PDF files, or WMV files you may need to install free viewing software that is available through these links:

Adobe Reader (Adobe.com) (PDF files)
Windows Media Player (WMV files)

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