Community Engagement & Investment

Application Processes for Microsoft Grant and Software Programs

Microsoft and its employees have long recognized the importance of supporting our local communities. Each year, the company contributes millions of dollars in cash, software, and employee volunteer hours to nonprofit organizations.

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Microsoft Unlimited Potential–Community Technology Skills Program

Microsoft accepts funding proposals from eligible organizations through Microsoft subsidiary offices around the world. To find out how and when proposals are accepted in each subsidiary, or to apply for a grant from Microsoft, contact the Microsoft subsidiary nearest you.

• Find contact information for Microsoft subsidiaries

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Microsoft Grants and Programs in Puget Sound

Microsoft rarely grants financial support based on unsolicited requests. However, if your organization meets the eligibility and program guidelines for general operating support, capital support, or product donation, you are welcome to submit a letter of inquiry by e-mail to upinfo@microsoft.com (please use "Sound Community Fund LOI" in the subject line). Letters of inquiry should be no longer than two pages and must include the following information:

1. An overview of the organization and the community served
2. A description of the project, including how it will help you meet community needs, plus a brief project timeline
3. A total project budget and the amount of your request
4. A list of board members, including their affiliations
5. Documentation of IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status

Contact information for Puget Sound programs:

Microsoft Corporation, Puget Sound Programs
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
Phone: (425) 706-8185
E-mail: upinfo@microsoft.com (Use "Puget Sound" in the subject line)

Decision Notification
Organizations are notified of Microsoft funding decisions within six weeks of Microsoft receiving a completed proposal. The Microsoft grants committee will review the grant, and you will be contacted if additional information is needed. Microsoft may also request a site visit or a meeting during the review period.

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Software Donations

Microsoft software donations are made in response to the requests of individual nonprofits to meet their organizational needs. The process for requesting a software donation depends on the location of your organization.

• United States and Canada: All software donation requests within the United States and Canada are handled by the Microsoft nonprofit partner TechSoup. Eligible organizations may make one donation request each year. There is no membership fee for access to TechSoup, but a small administrative fee from TechSoup will apply to each order to help offset the organization's costs.
• Worldwide: TechSoup is expanding to cover other countries/regions, so some nonprofit organizations located outside the United States and Canada can use the TechSoup program for software donations. To see if TechSoup has expanded to your country/region, visit the TechSoup Global Web site. If TechSoup does not have services in your country/region, contact your local Microsoft subsidiary office. Each Microsoft subsidiary office has guidelines for software donation requests from its local community.

• Go to the TechSoup Web site
• Go to the TechSoup Global Web site
• Find out how to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
• Learn more about Microsoft Open License Charity

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