Frequently Asked Questions

The Microsoft Giving programme provides small grants of software; the standard donation is of three pieces, to hundreds of charity and community groups in the UK. Software donated is for use in fundraising or helping to run voluntary organisations.

Microsoft only gives cash donations to selected major charity projects and educational projects in theUK. For that reason we are unable to provide funding to other groups.

The Microsoft Giving Scheme is unable to make software donations for raffle prizes or auctions.

In order to apply for a donation of up to three pieces of software, charities, education establishments and community groups can e-mail us at ukgiving@microsoft.com or write to Microsoft Giving, PO Box 7961, East Reading, RG6 1XB.

They should provide a brief outline of the project or organisation - concise and factual information that will help us understand how we might be able to assist you - and, where applicable, their registered charity number.

All applications for support are considered on an individual basis and responded to accordingly.

The Microsoft Giving Scheme is unable to make software donations for raffle prizes or auctions.

Through the Education Licensing programme Microsoft does offer software and licences at a major discount to all schools, educational institutions and registered charities in the UK. For more information please contact the Education Department on 0870 60 70 800.

In September 2003 Microsoft UK launched a PC donation scheme – this new joint initiative developed by Microsoft and HP. This scheme means that all working and useable equipment will be donated to one of the following charities:

• Leonard Cheshire’s Workability Scheme - www.workability.org

• The Digital Pipeline Project - www.digitalpipeline.com

Before submitting an application for Unlimited Potential funding please review information on the programme at http://www.microsoft.com/citizenship/giving/programs/up

If having reviewed the information you feel that your project matches the aims and criteria for Unlimited Potential, and then you can submit information to Microsoft in the UK for consideration. Organisations should send these proposals for Unlimited Potential projects to ukgiving@microsoft.com. Unsolicited proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and Microsoft will contact you if they wish to look at the proposal in more detail.

In preparing any proposals, we do encourage organisations to take time to understand Unlimited Potential, and the focus on IT training in community technology learning centres for disadvantaged people. Microsoft seeks partners who have a clear passion for the impact IT skills can make to people’s lives, and where there is existing expertise and infrastructure. We like to work in partnership with multiple organisations from voluntary, public & private sectors, bringing a range of skills and resources to projects which strong prospects of sustainability.

Microsoft hopes to run the Community Learning Awards on an annual basis. Please refer to the MCLA website, www.ukcommunityawards.com, for information on when the next round will be.

The Microsoft Community Learning Awards provide small cash grants, £2500 plus software, and operate on an annual basis. They support IT training projects that are operating within a local/regional community. We are looking for innovation and evidence of the difference that support from Microsoft could make to your community project. Unlimited Potential funding provides larger grants that support regional/national IT projects. Applications for Unlimited Potential funding can be considered at any time throughout the year however funding cheques are only issued on an annual basis.
If you have a project that you are looking for support for we recommend that you look at examples of projects that Microsoft has supported in the past to best understand which funding pot you should apply to.

Microsoft does not operate a student sponsorship scheme. However we do offer special product pricing for students.
Additionally students might like to know more about student and graduate placements. Information can be found at www.microsoft.com/uk/jobs

Microsoft corporate guidelines for considering a commercial sponsorship proposal state that:

• The proposal must help move people closer to our brand and products
• The proposal must support our brand positioning and characteristics
• Experience of the proposal will be enhanced through Microsoft software

The proposal upholds the following brand traits:

• Innovation - consistent with our leadership position
• Inspiration - reflect the passionate attitude we have toward technology
• Technology - our product must be relevant and appropriate to the experience.


It is therefore not possible for Microsoft to take part in the sponsorship of local sports teams. For any queries or for further information, please email UKSpon@microsoft.com